Title : Recruitment process of artisanal fishers in Ghana: Safety implications
Abstract:
Introduction – The fishing industry is inherently risky, and understanding the specific hazards and attitudes towards safety within this sector is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve the well-being of fishermen.
Purpose – The study aims to investigate the safety implications of the recruitment process of artisanal fishers in Ghana, focusing on the factors that influence their working conditions, risk exposure, and overall well-being.
Design and technique – This study will adopt a mixed approach which employs a cross-sectional survey to collect opinions from artisanal fishermen in the Tema New town fishing community, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana.
Population, sampling and recruitment – The population is expected to comprise of all fishermen who have been actively involved in fishing over the last four consecutive years. A purposive sampling method will be used to select members of a representative sample based on the application of the Yamen (1967) formula. Participants will be convened through a face-to-face data collection session to participate in the study, and volunteers will be asked to provide informed consent.
Data collection and analysis – A self-reported questionnaire will be utilized to gather data. Data will be analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling for quantitative data while thematic analysis will be adopted for qualitative data.
Implications/Significance – This study is expected to offer valuable insights into the reasons and factors contributing to accidents at fishing sites, as well as the measures that can be taken to improve safety behavior among artisanal fishermen. It will also reveal the significant hazards that fishermen face, which would concern highlight the necessity for targeted safety measures and interventions to address fishing-related accidents
