Status of aquaculture in Rubabo County Rukungiri District

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.