Youth participation in commercial fish farming in Uganda; a case of Buikwe district.

Abstract

The study was about youth participation in commercial fish farming in Uganda; a case of Buikwe District. The study objectives were; to examine the benefits of youth participation in commercial fish farming in Buikwe District, to analyze the challenges to youth participation in commercial fish farming in Buikwe District, to evaluate the influence of institutional support on youth participation in commercial fish farming in Buikwe District. The study employed a descriptive research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A final sample size of 97 was considered for this research. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, interviews and review of related literature. The field survey results revealed that commercial fish farming plays an important role in improving on incomes of the participants in Buikwe District as evidenced by 32(88.9%) who were in agreement whereas 1(2.8%) disagreed and only 3(8.3%) were neutral. Based on field results where 34(94.4%) agreed whereas 5.6% were in disagreement, it was found out that quite a large group of fish framers agreed that monthly income derived from commercial fish farming supports them in college and at times enough to support their schooling requirements. From the field results, it was found out that youth participation in commercial fish farming reduces the rate of unemployment with majority 35(97.2%) in agreement and only 1(2.8%) were not sure. On whether society becomes ultimate beneficiary through youth participation in promotion of fish farming, majority 31(86.1%) were in agreement, 5(13.9%) were not sure and 2(5.5%) disagreed. Basing on findings of the study, 60(61.8%) were in agreement that youths have a poor mindset towards commercial fish farming in Buikwe district. However, 10(10.3%) were not sure and 27(27.8%) of the respondents were in disagreement. The study concludes that in light of the study results, Uganda might be faced with an uneducated and ageing farming population sooner than later if the current constraints faced by the youth in commercial fish farming are not addressed and the notion of youth being future farmers might be a myth. The study recommends that Youths currently involved in commercial fish farming are encouraged to connect themselves to fish farming associations by becoming members, as this have potential of contributing to their wellbeing. The Government should come out with diverse strategies to change the negative attitude of the youth on commercial fish farming as they are aware and have some knowledge on the occupation