Small pelagic fish for food Governance and performance of small pelagic fish value chains for food security and nutrition in Ghana

The fish-food system plays a vital role in combating food and nutrition insecurity in many countries globally, especially in developing countries. This is particularly true for small pelagic fish (SPF) chains, known to provide low-cost fish to support the food security and nutrition (FSN) of low-income consumers. However, the extent to which such fish chains are organized, governed, and are performing to support the FSN of poor urban consumers is not well understood. This thesis investigates the character, governance, and performance of SPF chains and how they affect the FSN of poor urban consumers in coastal (Accra) and inland (Tamale) cities in Ghana. Theoretically, it combines the concepts of value chain, governance, and performance within the food system framework. A mixed-method approach was employed to collect and analyse data.
The analysis reveals that the structure and governance of SPF chains exert significantly different influences on fish FSN outcomes in Accra and Tamale. I argue that SPF chains generally appear to be performing well to guarantee availability, accessibility, sufficient quality (according to local standards) and stability of SPF products throughout the year for poor urban consumers in both cities, though, the chains serving Accra are performing better compared to those serving Tamale. Yet, poor handling practices, poor personal hygiene among fish traders, chemical adulteration of fish and inadequate sanitation in markets could compromise fish quality and safety and pose health risks to consumers. I offer recommendations to improve food system practices and strengthen fish-food system governance and performance for better FSN.