The nature of economic institution in In-land fishing communities of the Lower Volta

The economic institution and other social institutions such as polity (governance), beliefs or religion, education, family (marriage) influence individuals and the community at large. Their characteristics, preferences and attitudes also maintain or support social relationship, focusing on mechanisms to accommodate strains within relationships (negatively or positively). The study looks at the ability of economic institution to support the introduction of cage culture or innovation in Inland fishing communities. Data were collected through the use of key informant interviews, focus group discussions and quantitative questionnaire administration. The study investigated the potential of economic institution in the adoption of fishery innovation among fishing communities in Dzemeni and Kpando-Torkor. In addition, fisher-folks’ knowledge and perception of the economic institution’s capabilities were documented. Results indicate that although the economic institution helps to bring jobs, while assisting fishers to easily dispose of their fishes and wares to other city and town dwellers in earning a living for their families, the nature of transportation and increases in fuel prices does not support the fishing industry. It gives the rich “the Market Mummies” opportunity to exploit the fisher-folks through loans and savings. In addition, most respondents had enough knowledge on the capacities of the economic institution, although norms and values in the fishing sector do not allow women to freely take-up fishing. The study therefore recommends that economic growth and other opportunities should be reconciled with the maintenance of values and norms in the economic institution for sustainable development to reduce exploitation by a few through giving of financial supports.   Key words: Volta Lake, economic institution, social institutions, capacities, In-land fishing and innovation, introduction of cage-culture.