| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT
Fish farming was introduced in the area (Kigezi in general) in 1950s and has therefore been there
for a long time. However, its status and economic contribution in the region have remained
unassessed and consequently insignificant. This study aimed at assessing the current status of the
enterprise particularly in Rubabo county, Rukungiri district in order to have an insight. A total of
32 fish farmers and 10 other stakeholders in the Aquaculture Value Chain (AVC) were
interviewed. Results reveal a fewer number of fish farmers where a majority (97%) use earthen
ponds as the only fish production facilities. Pond production was significantly in higher use than
tank production (Chi-square=26.1, df=1, p<0.05). Five fish species were farmed namely
Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii, Clarias gariepinus, Cyprinus carpio and Clarias liocephalus.
There was a significant difference in the occurrence of the different fish species farmed (Chisquare=
81.9, df=4, p<0.05). Several challenges were faced by farmers and other stakeholders in
the aquaculture value chain such as stunted fish growth, inaccessible and expensive good quality
feeds and seed, inadequate extension services, inadequate land, predators especially snakes and
birds and seasonal floods among others. The observed frequency of the challenges faced were
significantly different (Chi-square =89.1, df=14, p < 0.05).
Keywords: Aquaculture, Aquaculture Value Chain, Rukungiri district, Rubabo county. | en_US |
