Author(s): Albert Nsonga

Abstract: It is not well understood to what extent poor and marginalized households in Mbala and Luwingu districts participate in aquaculture for food and nutritional security. The Integrated Research in Development for Livelihood Improvement project (IRDLP) therefore conducted a fish farming survey in October 2014 from the two districts. The survey captured five hundred and fifteen (515) households with Mbala recording 250 farmers; with 105 practicing, 4 abandoned and 141 potential farmers respectively. Luwingu on the other hand recorded 265 farmers with 67 practicing, 26 abandoned and 172 potential farmers respectively. Out of the recorded number of farmers for both Mbala and Luwingu 21 and 41 were female headed households respectively. The two districts surveyed have enormous fish culture potential but remain untapped due to several production challenges faced by smallholder farmers especially the non-availability of quality fish seed and feed. Engaging farmers in best aquaculture practices would therefore improve aquaculture production in the two study areas.

Pages: 255-258  |  1397 Views  117 Downloads

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