Title : Socio-economic dimension of aquaculture in Upper Tana River basin, Kenya
Abstract:
Socio-economic assessment and mapping data can be instrumental tools in fisheries management. We mapped the localities of fish farms and characterized socio-economic factors of fish farming in the Upper Tana River basin, Kenya. Structured questionnaires for fish farmers and traders were used to generate socio-economic data and management evidence. Fish farming was found to be a male dominated activity with many of the owners above 50 years (n=30; 62.5%). Kirinyaga county had the highest number of fish farms (n=23), followed by Nyeri (n=16) and Embu county (n=9). The presence of old government farms like the National Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (NARDC) may have promoted aquaculture activities in the area. The only tilapia species cultured intentionally was Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as others were mainly accidentally introduced. Most traders were female (n=51; 93%), with Nile tilapia being the most preferred market fish with its demand (6420kg/month) being higher than the production capacity (4050kg/month) of the three counties. The increased number of fish farms in the area calls for strict adherence to the fisheries regulations to guide investments, protects farmers' economies through improved business practices for sustainable aquaculture in the area.
