Small-scale Fish Farmers Research Articles

Comparative Effect of Fish Feeds on the Initial Growth and Survival Rate of Juvenile Redbreast Tilapia (Coptodon rendalli) under Early Hatchery Conditions

This study compared the effects of three supplementary diets—egg yolk, Artemia, and commercial pellets with 48% crude protein—on the growth performance and survival rate of redbreast tilapia (Coptodon rendalli) under intensive culture conditions at the Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries Institute in the Kavango East region of Namibia. The study was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024 using a complete randomized design replicated thrice. Results showed that fish fed with commercial pellets exhibited the highest specific growth rate (1.39 ± 0.80%) compared to egg yolk (0.94 ± 0.54%) and Artemia (0.33 ± 0.19%). Commercial pellets also had the best survival rate (76.19 ± 43.099), compared to egg yolk and Artemia (70.47 ± 40.69; 33 ± 19.05), respectively. However, egg yolk had the best feed conversion ratio (0.20 ± 0.05) compared to the commercial pellets (0.22 ± 0.04) and Artemia (0.26 ± 0.07). Critical water quality parameters were maintained within acceptable survival ranges for C. rendalli across all treatments. These findings highlight the importance of dietary protein content in optimizing the growth and survival of C. rendalli under intensive culture conditions and provide insights for effective feeding strategies. However, commercial pellets are expensive and inaccessible to small-scale fish farmers. As an alternative, egg yolk emerged as a viable and affordable feed option, promoting fish growth and supporting the establishment of small-scale farming practices in the region.

Assessment of Smallholder Fish Farming Enterprise in Argungu Local Government Kebbi State

This study aimed to assess the engagement and interest of rural people in fisheries activities in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. One hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were randomly distributed in the three villages. The questionnaires consisted of socioeconomic Characteristics as well as the current engagement of the rural people in fisheries activities and their interest in fish farming. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicate that the majority (73.3%) of these fish farmers are male, compared to (26.7%) who are female. A large proportion of fish farmers have attained primary education (30.7%). Regarding marital status and income levels, (66%) of the fish farmers are married and (68%) of the fish farmers earn less than 10,000 Naira monthly. The results on engagement and interest of smallholder farmers in fish farming enterprises show that (52.7%) of the fish farmers are actively engaged in fish farming. Fish farming enterprises reveal that smoking is the most commonly used method, with (53.2%) of the respondents favoring it. The most prevalent constraints in fish farming enterprise indicate that (58%), is the poor marketing system and poor storage facilities, which affects (56.7%) of the smallholder fish farmers. Based on this, it is recommended that there is a need to assist in setting up small-scale fish farming projects in rural areas with proper monitoring and supervision and Small-scale fish farming policies and practices to significantly improve food security, rural incomes and sustainable aquaculture development.

The impact of small scale fish farming on poverty reduction in South-East Zone of Nigeria

Over the years, successive administrations in Nigeria have embarked on numerous poverty reduction programmes aimed at reducing the poverty rate in Nigeria. These efforts have not yielded much result as poverty rate has continued to soar and pervade every geo-political zone in Nigeria. The poverty situation, coupled with the low uptake of fish farming technology in the south-east zone has prompted the need to examine the impact of small-scale fish farming on poverty reduction in the south-east zone of Nigeria. The dependent variable of the study is poverty reduction, which has household expenditure as its proxy. The independent variable is small-scale fish farming, proxy by income, employment, food security and consumption multiplier. Data collection was made through in-depth Interview (IDI) guide, while analysis was done using thematic analysis technique. A total of 40 participants, comprising of 30 fish-farm owners and 10 employees were selected purposively from the states of Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo for the interview. The study findings suggest that small-scale fish farmingin the study area impacts positively on poverty reduction, as increase in each of the independent variables tends to increase the dependent variable. The study recommended the establishment of fish farm settlements; granting of credit facilities to fish farmers; establishment of skill acquisition and training centers for farm employees; and improvement electricity supply and road network for lower energy cost and easy transportation of fish products. Keywords: Fish Farming, Small-Scale, Poverty Reduction.

Youth Migration and its Resultant Effect on Small-Scale Fish Farming in Southwest Nigeria

The study aimed at assessing the effects of rural youths’ migration pattern on small-scale fish farming in southwest Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 440 fish farmers with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire, using multi-stage random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and likert scale rating techniques. The results showed that majority of the fishers were married males with mean age, household size and fishing experience of 44 years, 6 persons and 14 years respectively. It was further revealed that scarce employment opportunities (89.1%), flood/drought (85.7%), poverty (79.8%) and insurgency/displacement (75.5%) were the major push factors triggering rural youth’s migration in the study area while attractive wages/high income (98.0%), diverse employment opportunities (90.2%), alternative source of income during off season (86.1%) and availability of improved technologies (70.7%) were the major pull triggering youths’ migration in the study area. Thus, provision of loan to fishers at flexible interest rate, availability of improved fishing equipment, establishment of vocational training centres, integrating rural youth into empowerment programmes and provision of improved fishing methods to attract youth were the main strategies that could be used to checkmate rural youth migration in the study area. It was therefore recommended that Bank of Agriculture should be encourage to give out minimal loan interest rate to fishers at flexible repayment plans, empowerment/skills acquisition/entrepreneurship programmes should be established.

Financial Technology Services, Government Regulations and Financial Inclusion of Small-Scale Fish Farmers in Homa Bay County, Kenya

This study explored the impact of FinTech and Government Policies on Financial Inclusion for small-scale fish farmers in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study focused on how access to finance has been widened through agency banking, mobile money and online banking services among these people who had low incomes or were marginalized. The research also examined whether government regulations affect the relationship between fintech channels and financial inclusion. The study was underpinned by Innovation Diffusion Theory, Financial Intermediation Theory, Technology Acceptance Theory and Public Interest Regulation Theory. This study employed causal research design with a sample size of 495 small scale fish farmers using stratified random sampling technique that yielded 144 respondents. Data analysis involved multiple regression, correlation analysis and diagnostic tests that utilized SPSS 26.0 for data analysis. The results showed that agency banking; mobile money services and online banking together explained 58.1% of variation in financial inclusion among the farmers indicated by R squared of 0.581.The findings revealed that Agency Banking had significant effect on financial inclusion (β = .231, p = .001 < .05), as well as Mobile Money Services (β = .196, p = .019 < .05) and Online Banking Services (β = .410, p = .000 < .05). Therefore, the study concludes that Agency Banking; Mobile Money and Online Banking play important role in enhancing financial autonomy among small scale fish farming communities through increased access to bank accounts, secured transactions processes and agent incomes respectively. In view of the findings, the study recommends that financial institutions together with fintech companies should invest in platforms which are user-friendly safe secure meant for use by small holder dairy farmers themselves. Keywords: Agency banking, Mobile money services, Online banking services, Government regulations, Financial technology services, Financial inclusion

Review of current perspectives and future outlook on bacterial disease prevention through vaccination in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).

Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer, is an important aquatic species in mariculture. Intensive farming of this species has faced episodes of bacterial diseases, including those due to vibriosis, scale drop, and muscle necrosis disease, big belly disease, photobacteriosis, columnaris, streptococcosis, aeromoniasis, and tenacibaculosis. Vaccination is one of the most efficient, non-antibiotic, and eco-friendly strategies for protecting fish against bacterial diseases, contributing to aquaculture expansion and ensuring food security. As of now, although numerous vaccines have undergone laboratory research, only one commercially available inactivated vaccine, suitable for both immersion and injection administration, is accessible for preventing Streptococcus iniae. Several key challenges in developing vaccines for Asian seabass must be addressed, such as the current limited understanding of immunological responses to vaccines, the costs associated with vaccine production, forms, and routes of vaccine application, and how to increase the adoption of vaccines by farmers. The future of vaccine development for the Asian seabass industry, therefore, is discussed with these key critical issues in mind. The focus is on improving our understanding of Asian seabass immunity, including maternal immunity, immunocompetence, and immune responses post-vaccination, as well as developing tools to assess vaccine effectiveness. The need for an alignment of fish vaccines with state-of-the-art vaccine technologies employed in human and terrestrial animal healthcare is also discussed. This review also discusses the necessity of providing locally-produced autogenous vaccines, especially for immersion and oral vaccines, to benefit small-scale fish farmers, and the potential benefits that might be extended through changes to current husbandry practices such as the vaccination of broodstock and earlier life stages of their off-spring.

Productivity and profitability of small-scale aquaculture in Malawi

ABSTRACT Small-scale aquaculture in Malawi contributes to nutrition and food security, and serves as a rural income diversification strategy. Nevertheless, its adoption is low. Drawing on a recent survey of 732 small-scale fish farms across the country, this study assesses the production, yield, profit, and profit per square metre of small-scale fish farms and explores their determinants using regression analysis. Most fish farms are owned and managed by individual farm-households, though communally owned farms are also present. Small-scale aquaculture is found to be profitable, though the gross margins are slim. Regression results reveal that production and profit are positively associated with the use of farms for both fingerling and grow-out production and the number of years the farm has existed, while yield and profit/m2 are positively associated with the use of high-quality inputs such as commercial feed and inorganic fertilisers. These results suggest that small-scale fish farmers in Malawi and other similar settings should adopt improved technologies and follow best on-farm management practices to increase production and profits. This study contributes to the discourse on the pathway through which aquaculture in Malawi can best contribute to the country’s development.

Role and Form of Women’s Participation in the Fish Value Chain in Small-Scale Farming in Lusaka Province

This study evaluated the nature of women’s participation in the fish value chain. Recognizing the indispensable contributions of women in agriculture and fisheries, this research was aimed at illuminating the specific ways in which women engage in the fish value chain and what policies support their aquacultural activities. Qualitative approaches including interviews and focus group discussions were employed. Data was gathered from key informants and women actively involved in small-scale fish farming operations in seven districts of Lusaka Province, with a focused exploration of their roles in the fish value chain and any recommendations they had to enable smooth operations. Document review of policies guiding aquaculture was also done using a gender lens. The findings underscored the multifaceted involvement of women across various stages of the fish value chain, encompassing pond management, harvesting, processing and marketing. Despite their substantial contributions, existing policies lack explicit and targeted measures to address the unique challenges faced by women and to address gender disparities within the aquaculture industry. This research has highlighted the multifaceted role and form of women’s participation in the fish value chain within the context of small-scale fish farming in Lusaka Province, Zambia. The findings underscore the significant contribution of women to various aspects of the fish value chain, including trading and processing, showcasing their adaptability through a blend of traditional and modern methods.

Traditional Fish Farming Based on Indigenous Knowledge in Homestead Pond Can Uplift Socioeconomic Status of Coastal Rural People and Sustainability

In a time of environmental degradation and increasing demand for safe food production, traditional fish farming is gaining global attention. Utilizing indigenous agricultural methods founded on traditional knowledge contributes to sustainability by safeguarding the ecosystem and preserving biodiversity. However, it is still less studied whether traditional farming systems based on indigenous knowledge currently in place are improving the socioeconomic conditions of farmers. Hence, this study was conducted with the following objectives: (i) to reveal the present status of traditional fish farming systems, (ii) to define the socioeconomic profile of the farmers, (iii) to identify the problems associated with traditional fish farming, and (iv) to show the inter-relationship between fish farming and socioeconomic development. For achieving these objectives, data were collected from 100 small-scale fish farmers from a rural coastal area of Bangladesh through a well-structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, and cross-check interviews. Our findings showed that most of the homestead ponds were small-sized (44%) and shallow (61%) where a polyculture system was prevalent (91%). The majority of the ponds (77%) were found to be perennial, 60% of which had single ownership. Socioeconomic data revealed that the highest number of farmers (42%) earned 1000.00 to 1500.00 USD annually, and 62% of the respondents took fish farming as their secondary occupation. Among the farmers, 62% had primary education, whereas 7% had no education, and only 26% of the farmers had official training in fish farming, indicating that culture management was mainly based on indigenous knowledge. A total of 55% of the farmers had 5 to 10 family members, and 80% of them lived in joint families. Furthermore, 40% of the farmers owned tin shed houses, whereas the maximum (60%) utilized katcha toilets. However, almost half of the farmers (57%) utilized their own funds for fish farming, and the majority (90%) had access to their own tube well. The study found that the biggest obstacles to fish farming were pressure from large families, a lack of education and training, a lack of quality seed and feed, outbreaks of fish diseases, an inadequate supply of water during the dry season, and a lack of adequate funding. However, Pearson correlation showed that there was a significant positive association between age and experience (r = 0.908, p < 0.01) and age and income (r = 0.326, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analyses also demonstrated that age and experience in fish farming played a significant role in increased annual income. In conclusion, 94% of the respondents claimed that fish farming had improved their socioeconomic situation. Homestead pond fish farming through indigenous knowledge increased household fish consumption with a source of protein and micronutrients, improved dietary diversity, and generated extra household income, which inferred their better sustenance.

Impact of Factor on the Fish Production Among the Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Assessment of Socio-economic status in Cauvery Deltaic Region, Tamil Nadu, Southern India

Impact of Factor on the Fish Production Among the Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Assessment of Socio-economic status in Cauvery Deltaic Region, Tamil Nadu, Southern India

Climate-related risk management practices in pond-based tilapia culture: A case study of the small-scale fish farmers of Agusan del Sur, Philippines

Climate change vulnerability of the fisheries sector of the Philippines risks the nation’s economy. Adapting to these impacts requires effective use of shared climate information in aquaculture. This study assessed the climate-related risk management practices among tilapia pond farmers in Agusan del Sur, Philippines. Quantitative method and purposive sampling were employed, interviewing thirty knowledgeable participants. Common damages encountered during floods included fish escape (56.6%), while slow growth prevailed during droughts, cold weather (20% and 16.6% respectively), and hot weather (46.6%). Most of the respondents applied constant monitoring or surveillance as their primary risk management practices to cope with floods, droughts, cold weather, and hot weather. Other risk management practices include changes in tillage practices, changes in the stocking date, harvest ahead of schedule, efficient water use, irrigation, and stopping rearing. The Chi-square analysis showed that there is a highly significant relationship (p<0.05) between climate-related risk and risk management practices, while there is no significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile and applied risk management practices. These findings provide insights into climate-related risk management, emphasizing the significance of monitoring and targeted interventions. The findings help to build better risk management approaches for farmers dealing with the effects of climate change.*

The Current Challenges of Sustainable Aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific Region and the Measures Recommended

A key output from the GCA +20 has highlighted the principles and strategic pathways to maximise the contribution of sustainable aquaculture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and meeting the pledge of ‘Leaving no one behind’. Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific, their country members and partners collaborate and cooperate with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other UN specialised agencies for building climate resilience in aquaculture and agriculture systems for supporting small-scale and subsistence farmers in Asia and the Pacific Region. Aquaculture growth can be sustained through mitigating the impacts of aquatic animal diseases, addressing the antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, adapting and mitigating climate change, addressing food safety in the entire market chain from hatchery to consumer, identifying the capacity-building needs, and organising training courses and technology transfer for small scale fish farmers. The growing transboundary movement of aquatic animals calls for regional cooperation and collaboration among members to improve the conditions for sustainable aquaculture. NACA assists members in assuring the safety and quality of aquaculture products in member countries, which will likely assist small-scale farmers to adapt to the changing trade and safety environment. Cluster-based management approaches and forming farmer societies are promoted as practical mechanisms for implementing better management practices.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic response impacted small-scale fish farmers in Bhutan?

The COVID-19 pandemic and related policy responses have exacerbated global food and nutrition insecurity by disrupting supply chains and destroying livelihoods. Previous studies show that the impact has been particularly severe for poor populations with limited livelihood options, who already faced food insecurity before the pandemic struck. This paper describes how COVID-19-related policy responses have impacted low-income, subsistence-oriented fish farmers in Bhutan. Based on nationally representative data collected between November 2020 and January 2021, the paper documents the responses of 353 Bhutanese fish farmers to the altered operating conditions and market disruptions caused by COVID-19. Results indicate that these farmers' access to inputs such as fish seed have suffered substantial disruptions. However, on the output side of the supply chain, some farmers have made significant gains in terms of increased demand and higher fish prices in informal markets. Furthermore, the food security of most farmers has suffered minimal impact. Overall, Bhutanese fish farmers have proved to be robust to COVID-19-induced adverse outcomes relative to commercial aquaculture producers elsewhere. Small-scale, subsistence-oriented production of fish along with other crops has benefitted the Bhutanese fish farmers by shielding them from the negative economic outcomes associated with market shocks and by directly preserving their food security. Nevertheless, the fish farmers require critical support to access essential inputs and upscale or maintain production infrastructure, so that they can continue fish production during the COVID-19 pandemic and become more robust in the long run.

Economic analysis of small-scale fish farms and fund security in North-Central Nigeria

Economic analysis of small-scale fish farms and fund security in North-Central Nigeria

Exploring the Adoption of Fish Production Using Concrete Tank in the Municipal Area Council, Abuja

This study accessed fish farming in AMAC the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Data were collected from 100 respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Borehole water 80 percent and river water 20 percent were top sources of water for fish farming in the FCT. 40 percent of the respondents cleaned their concrete tank twice in six weeks. Some of the major constraints faced by farmers were high cost of feed at 30 percent response, 26 percent admitted their constraint, as lack of funds, lack of ready market was found to be 18 percent. 71 percent did not receive any support from the government to enhance their fish farming, only 10 percent of the respondent got loans from the government as support to fund their fish. The study recommended Governments interventions must be integrated into the local development planning to ensure that basic inputs, extension services, loans and grants are provided for small-scale fish farming, while also taking measures to address the negative environmental impacts of such activities through proper mitigation plans.

A comparative study of sustainability profiles between small-scale mariculture, capture fisheries and tourism communities within the Anambas Archipelago Small Island MPA, Indonesia

Mariculture is viewed by some as an unsustainable economic activity in marine protected areas (MPAs). Surprisingly, no study has confirmed or rejected the veracity of the view. In Indonesia's multi-purpose MPAs, mariculture is considered as part of the local communities' livelihood and resilience strategy. This study aimed to determine whether small-scale fish farming, along with small-scale fisheries and eco-tourism, contributes to the livelihood sustainability of communities in Indonesia's small island MPAs, and if the practice is compatible with the overall MPA objectives. The study was conducted in the Anambas Archipelago MPA and interviewed 66 respondents from three household groups (small-scale fish farmers, fishers, and eco-tourism operators) from 15 villages. A closed- and open-ended questionnaire was developed to determine the sustainability profile of each livelihood group. The questionnaire consisted of 75 questions representing the sustainability indicators (SIs) of the five capital assets described in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The SIs were measured using a Likert-scale and a Likert-type scale with multiple scales. The data were standardised using linear transformation and aggregated to calculate the SIs composite values. The study found that the livelihood sustainability of the small-scale fish farmer group is comparable to small-scale fisher and tourism operator groups. Interestingly, the fish farmer group outperformed the other two groups in relation to human capital assets by developing a strong social network. Small-scale fish farmer, fisher and eco-tourism operator groups have a composite sustainability index value of 0.55, 0.61, and 0.50, respectively, categorised as intermediate sustainability. This study concluded that the sustainability profile of each livelihood group could be improved for the specific underperforming capital assets by increasing support from the government and MPA authority.

The impact of climate change on food and human security in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to unravel the changing nature of climate change impact on the food and human security sector of the Nigerian State.Design/methodology/approachThis study is an in-depth case study that involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical data on climate variability in Nigeria obtained from reliable databases were use in the making of analysis. Also, data derived from semi-structure interviews and special reports from International Non-governmental organizations on the subject matter were also used in the study. The findings of the study were based on an in-depth analysis of both primary and secondary sources of data. The secondary data were derived from existing published academic works. The primary data was developed using qualitative data that were collected from January to November, 2018 to 2019 in the different regions of Nigeria. For the South East, primary data was collected from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. In the South-South, primary data was collected from Asaba, Delta State. In the South West, primary data was collected from Barutin, Kwara State. In the North East, primary data was collected from Maiduguri, while in North West, data was collected from Gusau, Zamfara State. In the North Central, data was collected from Markurdi, Benue State. During the data collection, 48 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were carried out in the six selected research areas that represented their geo-political zones. Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were carried out, one for each of these six selected cities. Each of the Focus Group Discussions comprised between five and seven respondents. The idea of KIIs and FGDs is to allow the respondents to freely express their ideas comprehensively. Again, in other to get varied forms of responses, the respondents are mainly farmers however, a number of NGOs, civil servants, fertilizer sellers, government officials, transporters and aged men and women/retirees. It should be noted that the respondents cut across male and female gender of all ages and ethnic configuration. The respondents were also randomly selected through social networking. To avoid having people of similar The KIIs were three academics; two community leaders; two small scale fish farmers; rice, cassava, fish, livestock and crop farmers. All KIIs ad TIs were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis.FindingsThe findings revealed that climate change has negatively affected food security in Nigeria. it has also led to continuous armed confrontations over natural resources thereby undermining human security in the country.Originality/valueThis study is 100% original and can be assessed through turn it in evaluation.

Use of Dietary Phytochemicals as control for Excessive Breeding in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): A review

Human population has continued to increase unabatedly with its attendant demands on food in order to ease the difficulties of malnutrition and starvation. This continuous rise in population has clearly indicated that the conventional forms of livestock production and captured fisheries will not be sufficient to solve the problem of high protein demands. Aquaculture remains the best option that can bridge the wide gap between human protein demands and domestic production through the culture of fish species like Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Oreochromis niloticus is one of the most cultured finfish, due to its acceptability as food, fast growth, availability for farmers, ability to breed in captivity, resistance to diseases and harsh environmental conditions. Despite all these outstanding characteristics, there is still high level of apathy in commercial production of Nile Tilapia, due to its precocious maturity and uncontrolled breeding, which results in overpopulation of ponds, stunted growth and low commercial value. To mitigate this challenge, the use of synthetic hormones such as 17α-methyl testosterone has been developed to masculinize female tilapia present in a pond, thereby allowing the production of marketable sized fish since the male grows faster than the female. Though, the use of synthetic hormones has helped in some ways, but the negative effects have necessitated farmers to seek alternatives that are environmental friendly and safe for consumers. Dietary phytochemicals have been established to be good alternatives and their use is now gaining global acceptance. Dietary phytochemicals are bioactive compounds commonly found in plant-based diets such as fruits, vegetables, grains and teas. Dietary phytochemicals when administered to newly hatched tilapia species, influences the undifferentiated gonadal tissue of generic females to develop testicular tissue, thus functioning reproductively as males. Some of these phytochemicals such as Flavonoids, Saponins, Phenolics and Alkaloids are found in plants like Carica papaya seeds, Azadirachta indica, and Mucuna pruriens. The usefulness of these phytochemicals is based on their ability to influence sex reversal in Oreochromis niloticus, cost effect, easily accessible especially by small scale fish farmers, simple to apply, and being safe for both human and the environment since they are more biodegradable than synthetic hormones.

Productivity improvement to sustain small-scale fish production in developing countries: The case of Bhutan

Would productivity improvement in small-scale aquaculture “kill two birds with one stone” by simultaneously reducing the tendency to exit production and increasing output? While resource limitations restrict smallholders' involvement in aquaculture, their exit from production is among the factors threatening the sustainability of the aquaculture industry in developing countries. Against this backdrop, the productivity of small-scale aquaculture producers and the ways in which productivity improvement influences their behavior remains insufficiently understood. Based on survey data of 202 fish farmers in Bhutan, this study examined how productivity improvement impacts likelihood of exiting small-scale fish production. Data envelopment analysis was used to compute a slacks-based measure of efficiency as an estimate of productivity. The effect of the resultant estimate of productivity on likelihood of exiting fish production was examined using regression analysis. Results showed that a 10-percentage point increase in productivity among small-scale fish farmers in Bhutan reduced the likelihood of them exiting fish production by 2 percentage points. It is likely that surplus output from productivity improvement and the resultant revenue in the lucrative domestic market motivate Bhutanese farmers to continue fish production. We also found that Bhutan's current aggregate output of farmed fish could be increased by 63% by enabling farmers to produce more efficiently using existing pond sizes and production technologies. Further, it became clear that while subsistence-oriented fish farmers in Bhutan are likely to transition to commercial production, the use of non-cash inputs may be a deterrent. Our findings suggest that productivity improvement has substantial potential to be employed as a policy instrument to reduce the likelihood of farmers exiting small-scale aquaculture and simultaneously increase the aggregate output of farmed fish.

Carp Hatchery Business Development in Subang Regency

Carp hatcheries and nurseries are prominent businesses in Subang Regency, Indonesia. However, there has been a decrease in carp seed quality and production volume in recent years. This study aimed to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the carp hatchery business, to analyze issues and obstacles facing carp hatcheries, and to formulate a strategy for developing the carp hatchery in Subang Regency. Primary data used in this study were collected through a survey method using a questionnaire. The respondents interviewed were 50 fish farmers. Data collection was carried out in 2020. The results showed that small-scale fish farming is the dominant business in Subang Regency. The problem of fish seed availability is the main obstacle faced by fish farmers. The unavailability of fish seed causes the aquaculture business chain to be interrupted. One of the best choices for developing the hatchery business is the regular use of superior broodstock.