dc.description.abstract |
The study assessed Viability of cage fish farming at Bugiri-Kiwuulwe sheltered shores near Avocado
bay on Lake Victoria. Objectives include; assessment of water quality physico-chemical parameters
within and around the cage fish farms, Investigated all material inputs used in fish cage fabrications
and fish production, evaluated and found profitability of three particular cage fish farms. Using
Neumann’s formula (2000), 66 respondents from a target population of 79 with ten cage fish farms
having 240 fish cage units were interviewed using structured questionnaires where both qualitative
and quantitative approaches were used to generate data, which was entered into SSPS version 23 for
analysis. Findings revealed 46 male and 20 female participants included 11 youths under 18 years
but majority55 were adults. Education levels ranged from 5 who never went to school others went to
primary to University. Majority 38 were singles with 23 married 3widows and 2 widowers.24
Majority had stayed for 1- 5 years, 20 were less than a year in cage fishery, and 22 had stayed for
more than 5years. They earned from 1million shillings and above. All 66 respondents were involved
in other economic activities.9 water samples at depths of 0.5mLake Surface, amid the water column
and at 0.5m above Lake Bottom were collected in clean plastic laboratory bottles using a
computerized multi-parameter probe machine to assess 22 major water parameters. Water Color was
good for aquatic life. Alkalinity was in required range. Water pH was 7 and Temperature was 270Cat
all points. Turbidity was as recommended and electrical conductivity was good for aquatic life. Total
dissolved solids were within recommended range while Total hardness, Calcium hardness,
Magnesium hardness, and Calcium were low. Magnesium was acceptable, Sodium was very good,
but Potassium and Total Alkalinity were less than recommended. Bicarbonates, Sulphates, Chlorides
and Nitrates were in required range. Nitrites were zero, safe and far from being lethal. Ammonium,
Phosphates, and Silica were in required range. Oxygen and BOD were within recommended range
but Chemical Oxygen Demand was less than recommended. Assessment of water quality ascertained
the water was suitable for cage fishery.3 cages one square, one rectangular and one round shaped
cages of 3 different sizes were evaluated. There were challenges of costly inputs, poor quality fish
seed and feeds which accounted for highest cost, and lack of fish markets. In conclusion the study
showed cage fish farmers paid all costs and remained with net profits so it is viable and
environmentally sustainable. The study recommended for a cage fish farmer to start cage fishery a
good business plan should be well written and followed to guide such farmers in the implementation.
In the near future EIA must be undertaken by each cage fish farmer to generate mitigation measure
since more new farmers are coming in with more fish cages from time to time. Cage fish farmers
must be trained in Best Management Practices (BMPs) and adhere to them for sustainable and
profitable cage fish production. Cage fish farmers at Bugiri-Kiwuulwe should manufacture own fish
feeds to avoid poor quality and or the imported costly fish feeds to reduce fish feed costs since feed
ingredients available in local markets are cheap. Cage fish farmers should breed parent stock and
hatch own fish fry on-farm to avoid poor quality fish seed and other expenditures. |
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