Decentralized premix fuel management and the development of coastal communities in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem Municipality

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2015-04-21
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Community development can be promoted through the decentralized Premix fuel Management policy. However, irregular supply of premix fuel was identified by government as a major hindrance to fishing activities in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem Municipality. The short supply of premix fuel led to low catch of fish as well as low income levels for fishermen and fishing was steadily becoming a less attractive means of livelihood. In the quest to curb the challenge of irregular supply of premix fuel and its associated problems, the government in 2001 formulated and implemented the decentralised Premix Fuel Management policy. The study sought to examin e the contribution of the decentralised Premix Fuel Management policy to infrastructural development and access to premix in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem Municipality. It also assessed the levels of stakeholder participation and accountability in decentralised premix fuel management. The study adopted the descriptive and explanatory study designs to examine the contribution of the decentralised Premix Fuel Management policy to community development. Both simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample for the study. An interview schedule and interview guides were employed for the primary data collection. The main findings of the study were that the decentralised Premix Fuel Management policy has led to an increase in the supply of premix fuel since its passing in 2001 and the sale of premix fuel is managed by the community members themselves instead of private individuals whose major motive is profit maximization. The study also found that the decentralised premix fuel has led to the implementation of developmental projects such as construction of a shed for fishermen and fishmongers at the landing beach, and construction of a clinic and conference hall complex. Other projects financed from the money earned from selling premix fuel are purchase of fishing nets for 150 fishermen and distribution of 450 basins to fishmongers to promote their economic activities. Despite the implementation of these projects, the community members are not pleased with the rewards because they feel the rewards do not reflect their needs, and most iv especially do not match up with the profits accrued from selling premix fuel. The study again found that Stakeholder participation and accountability in PFM are low. The study recommends that government through the National Premix Committee should formulate and enforce laws to ensure that the Landing Beach Committees do not violate the rules and regulations guiding the decentralized Premix Fuel Management policy so as to attain the set goals and objectives.
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A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Planning
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