International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2015, Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part C
Characterization of fish farming systems in Kiambu and Machakos counties, Kenya
Author(s): Nicholas Musyoki Ngwili, Joyce Maina, Patrick Irungu
Abstract: Fish farming systems in Kiambu and Machakos counties, Kenya were studied; challenges to production were identified and recommendations to boost fish production were suggested in this research. Two counties were targeted which are Machakos and Kiambu county. Data were obtained through a field survey, questionnaires and personal observations between September and October 2011. The study covered the key areas of fish farming: general farm details, number of ponds, number of fingerlings stocked, housing, type of culture practiced, feeds and feeding practices, influence of Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) on service delivery and management practices, Constraints to production and recommendations appertaining to the key production challenges. Results showed that fish farming in both Kiambu and Machakos county was practiced by farmers who had had attained atleast primary level of education. The employment status of fish farmers in Kiambu and Machakos counties showed that majority of the respondents (79.3% and 54% in Kiambu and Machakos County respectively) were self-employed in agriculture. Fish farming was practiced by a relatively large proportion of farmers below 50 years of age in Kiambu Machakos counties. Of the 250 respondents interviewed, 85.3% and 75% in Kiambu and Machakos counties respectively were recruited through the ESP. The main source of information on fish farming was government extension agents as reported by 93.8% and 92% of ESP farmers in Kiambu and Machakos counties respectively. Stocking of Nile tilapia in mixed sex tilapia in monoculture was the most dorminant culture method and fish were mainly stocked in earth ponds. Farmers in Kiambu and Machakos counties used complete or formulated commercial feeds for feeding the fish. Formulated fish feeds were mainly supplied by the government. Majority of the ESP farmers (64.8% and 78.7%) in Kiambu and Machakos counties respectively relied on government extension to provide information on pond management.
Pages: 185-195 | 1794 Views 197 DownloadsDownload Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Nicholas Musyoki Ngwili, Joyce Maina, Patrick Irungu. Characterization of fish farming systems in Kiambu and Machakos counties, Kenya. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2015;3(1):185-195.