Using practical lessons to enhance tilapia production education at three town senior high schools, Denu in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to use practical lessons to enhance tilapia production education among form two students of Three-Town Senior High School, Denu in the Volta Region of Ghana. The study used both experimental and observational research design where Eighty-two (82) students were exposed to the construction of tilapia ponds which are conducive for the fish species as well as feeding practices which were used by five tilapia farmers. Feeds which were used by the five tilapia farms whose ponds were visited included; maize-soya beans concentrate, rice ban, potato concentrate and brewery waste. It was also observed that, three of the farmers feed their tilapia stock twice daily, while two farmers feed their stock thrice daily. The study revealed that average temperature of the ponds was 27 oC. The average pH range for the ponds was also recorded at 6.9. The dissolved oxygen for the ponds was also measured at 13ppm DO. It was observed that all the five ponds were less muddy, the ponds also contained less suspended organic and inorganic matter. The conditions which were considered by the farmers in the construction of their ponds included; water source, topography of the land, soil type, vegetation cover and prevention of predators. It was recommended that workshops must be organised for tilapia farmers to equip them with the required technical skills and knowledge on how to prepare their own concentrates. This will help the farmers reduce the cost of operations thereby reducing the cost of tilapia which are brought to the market.