Fish farming dynamics in South Western Highlands Agro-Ecological Zone, SWHAEZ, baseline survey in Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri and Kanungu Districts

Abstract

Grey literature stipulates that, aquaculture has been in the zone for more than 5 decades. However, as any other enterprise, its status and economic contribution in the region remains a mystery. In order to have an insight of in the enterprise for a holistic research, a survey was necessary. The study was conducted in the zone, where questionnaires were administered to 98 fish farmers for 8 days. The results indicate that, there are currently fewer farmers than had been anticipated given a long history of the sector in the zone. 100% of all the farmers in the zone practiced earthen ponds as their solely production systems. Majorly, the education level of farmers was found to be at primary level, 48.8%. 84% of farmers employed incomplete fish feeds. Common cultured fish species was Nile tilapia. Farmer challenges included; stunting fish growth, lack of complete feeds, quality fish seed and skills.