Analysis of factors affecting farmers` participation in fish production in Lake Langano, Ethiopia

Abstract

Fishery development is considered as a potential area to enhance income of smallholder farmers in developing countries. In Ethiopia fishing practiced in most freshwater bodies which is a potential strategy for enhancing food security, employment and provide as source of income. Despite the economic importance of fishing at the local level, farm households have paid little attention to the fish production in the study area. Thus, this study was proposed to analyze determinants of farmer’s participation decision on fishing in Langano Lake. The study used the cross-sectional survey to collect primary data from 167 same respondents and mixed research approach. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and binary probit model were used to analyze the primary data. The result of analysis indicated that farmer`s’ participation in fish production is significantly determined by various demographic, institutional, social, economic and biophysical factors. To solve the problems and improve the farmer`s participation in fish production,the government and nongovernment organizations, specially district livestock and fishery development office should attempt to hamper factors that hind er participation in fish production and enhance factors that initiates participation in the fishing practice identified in the study.