This report examines the shell value chain and the economic potential of shell by-products from bivalve fisheries in Ghana and The Gambia. The study focuses on three key bivalve species: the West African mangrove oyster (Crassostrea tulipa), West African bloody cockle (Senilia senilis), and the Volta clam (Galatea paradoxa). It provides insights into the opportunities and challenges within the shell value chains of these species. Shells were primarily generated as a by-product of shellfish processing and were used for various purposes and products. But the key uses found by this study were milling into granular powder for animal feed formulation; lime production (for use as paint by the construction industry and pond fertilization in aquaculture); domestic use for controlling erosion and land reclamation. The Gambian shellfishers used the oyster shells for oyster culture while the Densu shellfishers used the shells for reef enhancement. Shells were mainly sold, with shells at the peri-urban areas (Densu, Ada, Lamin, and Old Jeshwang) costing about two to three times higher than shells in more rural areas (Narkwa and Kartong). Prices of shells in The Gambia (US$ 0.04-US$ 0.12 per kg) were also about four times higher than in Ghana (US$ 0.01-US$ 0.04 per kg). The study identified five main actors in the bivalve shell value chains across Ghana and The Gambia: shell generators (mainly women shellfish harvesters and a few men shell miners), shell aggregators, semi-finished shell product producers, end-product manufacturers, and end users. Along the milled shell value chain, three channels were observed in the transition of shells from primary producers to end users, with or without intermediaries. Findings indicated that shell processors in Ghana generated more income, especially due to the high demand from the poultry industry. 

Author(s)

Okyere, I., Chuku, E. O., Taale, F., Nunoo, J. Krampah, E. A., Clottey, M. N. K., Adade, R., Ahenkorah, V., Agboli, N. A., Osei, I. K., Dzantor, S. A., Gyimah, C. A., Kent, K., Josephs, L., and Aheto, D. W.

Publisher / Institution

University of Cape Coast, Center for Coastal Management, Cape Coast, Ghana, Development Action Association (DAA), Accra, Ghana, TRY Oyster Women’s Association, Old Jeshwang, The Gambia, and Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, Univer

Date published

Oct 01, 2024