Challenges Facing Fish Farming Development in Western Kenya

Z Shitote,S China,J Wakhungu

doi:10.15580/gjas.2013.3.012213403

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges facing fish farming development in western kenya. Sample survey of 192 farmers representing the fish farming community in the area was used. The study result revealed that the high prices of fish feed, declining fish prices and lack of finance were found to be the top ranking serious challenges facing fish farmers in that area. A Cross-sectional and longitudinal Survey research design was adopted for the study. Stratified sampling was used to select fish farming households. Key informants were selected through purposive sampling method. Data gathering was through multiple methods; where primary and secondary data were collected. Data analysis made use of descriptive statistics, where numerical and non-numerical summary of data were used. Chi-Square was used to test the independence between variables. Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was used to test relationship between fish farmers ranking of various variables affecting them. Findings were, fish farmers faced several management problems which included high cost, unavailability and low quality of feeds, drying up of ponds during drought, lack of fingerlings, flooding, siltation of ponds, pond maintenance and poor security. Benefits of the study are; the government through Kebs should frequently carry out spot checks on feeds supplied to Agrovets to ascertain its quality. Fish farmers will adopt Best Management Practices in fish farming in order to improve their household food security and livelihoods through increased income. The study therefore suggests that the government through Kebs should frequently carry out spot checks on feeds supplied to Agrovets to ascertain its quality. There is need for the fish farmers to carry out a proximate analysis for crude protein content to ascertain the quality of the feeds to be used. Fish farmers should also be trained on feed formulation and fish breeding to maintain a constant supply, quality and save on costs for both feeds and fingerlings.

Highlights

There are a host of problems facing the growth of Kenya’s fish farming industry
This paper examines the challenges facing fish farming development in western kenya
The demand for fingerlings to stock the fast-growing number of fishponds has skyrocketed from 1 million to 28 million in less than a year, forcing the government to lean heavily on private industry. Because of this scenario there is no significant growth in fish farming industry and the farmer is left confused by many extension officers who visit and give varying information

Summary

Introduction

There are a host of problems facing the growth of Kenya’s fish farming industry. These challenges include; uncoordinated promotion of fish farming through many institutions, Government, research institution, Universities, NGOs and Regional authorities among others (Mwangi, 2008; Osure, 2011). The demand for fingerlings to stock the fast-growing number of fishponds has skyrocketed from 1 million to 28 million in less than a year, forcing the government to lean heavily on private industry Because of this scenario there is no significant growth in fish farming industry and the farmer is left confused by many extension officers who visit and give varying information. The sector has operated without a comprehensive policy and legislation This has reduced management and research effectiveness, discouraged investment in fish farming and constrained production and growth (Mwangi, 2008). Lack of certified quality seed (Fingerlings) and commercially produced feeds are among problems facing the fish farming sector. Many farmers with good land that can be put into fish farming are not even aware of this potential

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Results

Conclusion