Catfish Production
Learn modern pond management, fingerling production, and sustainable feeding techniques for high-yield fish farming.
Course Overview
Catfish is one of Ghana's most consumed and most in-demand fish, yet local supply consistently falls short of market demand. Prices are high, availability is unreliable, and most catfish reaching Ghanaian markets comes from outside the region. Kwadaso Agricultural College's Catfish Production short course was developed to change that, by training a new generation of practical, market-ready catfish farmers right here in the Ashanti Region.
Over the course of the programme, you will learn every stage of catfish production from the ground up, from preparing and managing your pond, to stocking fingerlings, managing feeds and feeding schedules, monitoring fish health and water quality, harvesting at the right time, and handling and selling your fish profitably. All training is delivered on the KAC demonstration farm, so every lesson is grounded in real production conditions, not just theory.
This course is built on KAC's strong expertise in aquaculture and our direct connections to the catfish value chain, including input suppliers, feed companies, buyers, retailers, and restaurant operators. You do not just learn how to grow fish. You learn how to run a catfish business, build buyer relationships, manage costs, and plan for consistent, profitable production cycles.
Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to start a catfish farm, a farmer wanting to diversify your income, an NGO programme officer supporting livelihoods, or simply someone who sees the enormous opportunity in Ghana's growing fish market — this course gives you the skills, the network, and the confidence to get started.
Who Should Attend?
- groupAspiring catfish farmers
- groupYouth aged 18–35 seeking agribusiness skills
- groupExisting farmers diversifying income
- groupEntrepreneurs and investors
- groupNGO and development programme staff
- groupFish traders and market actors
Course Summary
- Duration4 Weeks
- Course FeeGHS 1500
What's Included:
- check_circleHands-on practical training on the KAC catfish demonstration farm across all 4 weeks
- check_circleComprehensive catfish production handbook and course materials
- check_circleAccess to KAC's catfish value chain partner network — input suppliers, buyers, and processors
- check_circlePost-course extension support and farm advisory visits from KAC facilitators
- check_circleKAC Certificate of Participation on completion
- check_circleAccess to KAC's alumni platform for ongoing information sharing and networking
Course modules
4 modules · Complete all for the full qualification
"Prefer to learn one skill at a time? You can enrol in individual modules below. Each module is available as a standalone short session — ideal if you already have some experience or want to focus on a specific skill."
Module 1: Introduction to Aquaculture & Pond Management
Includes Field Practical- Introduction to catfish aquaculture in Ghana
- Types of catfish production systems
- Site selection for catfish farming
- Pond construction and preparation
- Water quality management
- Biosecurity basics
Module 2: Fingerling Selection, Stocking & Feeding
Includes Field Practical- Fingerling sourcing
- Stocking density
- Catfish feed types
- Feeding schedules and feed conversion ratios
- Feed cost management
- Growth monitoring
Module 3: Fish Health, Disease Management & Water Quality
Includes Field Practical- Disease identification, causes, and prevention
- Treatment options
- Stress management
- Water quality monitoring routines
- Pond maintenance during the production cycle
- Integrated pest management for aquaculture: predator control, bird netting, and pond security
Module 4: Harvesting, Marketing & Business Planning
Includes Field Practical- Harvest planning
- Harvesting techniques
- Post-harvest handling
- Value addition
- Marketing your catfish
- Building buyer relationships
- Catfish farm business planning
- Graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already have a pond or land to attend?expand_more
No. You do not need to own land, a pond, or any existing farm infrastructure to join this course. All training takes place on KAC's demonstration farm. The business planning sessions will help you assess your own situation and plan your path to starting a farm after the course.
Is the course taught in Twi?expand_more
Yes. The course is delivered in both English and Twi. Our facilitators are fluent in both languages and ensure every participant — regardless of educational background — can follow and apply the training fully.
How much does it cost to start a catfish farm after the course?expand_more
The cost of starting a catfish farm depends on the size of your operation. During the course, you will complete a practical business planning session that helps you estimate start-up costs, identify affordable input sources, and plan your first production cycle based on the budget you have available. KAC also maintains connections to microfinance institutions and agricultural development funds that may support graduates.
Can I attend as a group or organisation?expand_more
Yes. Groups of 5 or more from the same organisation, community, or business are welcome and may be eligible for instalment payment arrangements. NGO cohorts, community groups, and agribusiness teams are particularly encouraged. Contact the KAC Short Courses Unit to discuss group registration and any tailored arrangements.
What market support does KAC provide after the course?expand_more
KAC maintains active relationships with catfish buyers, retailers, restaurants, and distributors in the Kumasi area and beyond. After completing the course, participants are connected to KAC's catfish value chain network. You will also have access to post-training extension visits, facilitator support for technical problems, and the KAC alumni platform where course graduates share experiences, market information, and opportunities.
Can I learn about smoking and processing catfish on this course?expand_more
Yes. Week 4 of the course covers post-harvest handling and value addition, including smoking and simple processing for higher market value. The market survey conducted during the development of this course confirmed that smoked catfish is the most preferred product form among buyers in the region, so we have specifically included practical content on this.
Are there plans for instalment payments?expand_more
Instalment payment is available for groups of 5 or more participants, and may be considered for individual participants in cases of demonstrated need. Contact the KAC Short Courses Unit to discuss a payment arrangement before your intake date.
Can I cancel or request for refund?expand_more
Cancellations made more than 7 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund minus any application fee paid. No refund is available for cancellations within 7 days of the start date. Please contact the Short Courses Unit as early as possible if your plans change
Take the Next Step in Your Agricultural Journey
This course is currently not open for enrollment. Register your interest to be notified when the next session begins.
Need Help?
Our admissions team is available to answer any questions you might have about this course.
Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
