Kwamena Quagrainie

Purdue University and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

I provide assistance to aquaculture producers in Indiana and Illinois as well as in selected African countries (Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania) in pursuing and realizing economic and market development opportunities from fish farming.

Education

• B.S., Agriculture, University of Science & Technology, Ghana
• M.S., Agricultural Economics, University of Alberta, Canada
• Ph.D., Agricultural Economics, University of Alberta, Canada

What is your current job and what does it entail? 

I am an aquaculture extension specialist with Purdue University and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. My research and outreach activities focus on aquaculture enterprise development and marketing of aquaculture products. I provide assistance to aquaculture producers in Indiana and Illinois as well as in selected African countries (Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania) in pursuing and realizing economic and market development opportunities from fish farming. This includes providing training and educational materials for current and prospective fish farmers and extension professionals in aquaculture business development, management and marketing. My research activities focus on areas of market analysis, market definition, development of distribution and market structures, identification of value-added opportunities for aquaculture products and feeds. I've also developed outreach materials including brochures, aquaculture farm enterprise spreadsheet budgets and how-to videos.

What was the key factor in your career decision? 

My background is in agriculture, which included fish farming. With my training in agricultural economics, I had the opportunity to work on marketing of various farm commodities including grains, livestock products and fish. Working with fish fascinated me and I decided to focus my career on that.

What do like most about your career? 

It's very exciting working with aquaculture practitioners. In addition, many in the agricultural sector see aquaculture as an alternative agricultural enterprise and I enjoy helping them to learn more about the sector and diversifying.

What do you like least about your career? 

The diversified nature of aquaculture makes it difficult to focus on particular issues or species to work on. The needs of stakeholders and clientele are varied.

What do you do to relax? 

I like listening to music and watching soccer.

Who are your heroes/heroines? 

I have been fortunate to have some very good and hardworking people in my personal life as well as secular life.

What advice would you give a student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field? 

Applied economics is a very interesting area which gives you lots of leverage to choose a career path. However, note that some economics entails some mathematics which will help you in the field.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why? 

They are increasing because of the need to assess the economic viability of any aquatic enterprise.

What will you be doing 10 years from today? 

Hopefully, I will still be doing what I do.