Women in West African Mangrove Oyster (Crassostrea Tulipa) Harvesting, Contribution to Food Security and Nutrition in Ghana

Abstract

Declining marine fish stocks have severe effects on the livelihoods of small-scale coastal fishing communities. As a result, the development of additional livelihoods in oyster production has become appropriate as a way of improving incomes and nutrition, reducing hunger, and creating employment among women. Oysters are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc, iron, and vitamins B and E, and pose no risk to human cholesterol levels. The objective of this study is to examine Crassostrea tulipa harvesting in Ghana by women and its contribution to food security and nutrition. Data was collected from Bortianor, Tetegu, Tsokome, and Faana communities along the Densu Delta in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana using the Kobo Toolbox. A total of a hundred (100) harvesters were sampled for the study.