Viability and Profitability of Cage Fish Farming on Lake Victoria: A Case of Bugiri-Kiwuulwe Cage Fish Farms in Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract

Fisheries and aquaculture have crucial contributions to world’s wellbeing and prosperity. Among aquaculture practices, cage fish farming ranks highest in fish production. This study was set out to assess viability and profitability of cage fish farming on Lake Victoria, a case of Bugiri-Kiwuulwe cage fish farms in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda. The study sought to assess water quality physico-chemical parameters within and around fish cages, investigates costs of materials used in fish cage fabrications and production, and to find profitability of cage fish farm units. A case study design with quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to obtain data for the stated objectives. A total of 66 respondents from a target population of 79 study participants were used to generate data, which were entered into SPSS version 23 for analysis. Both male and females, including a few youths participated in the study. Their education levels ranged from primary to university. Majority were single, while others were married and a few were widows and widowers. Most of the water parameters tested were in the recommended ranges by WHO and supported aquatic life, hence promoted cage fish farming apart from total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, calcium, chemical oxygen demand and potassium which were slightly below the recommended ranges. Majority of the farmers had participated in the business for less than 5 years and the activity brought profits to the farmers an equivalent of UGX 8,943,200 ($ 2,354) to the farmers per season, an indicator that the business venture is very profitable and viable. Hence, it can easily be adopted by members of the community for improvement of their livelihoods. It is recommended that more research be undertaken such that there is formulation of the fish feeds at the local level aimed at the reduction of the higher costs incurred on the imported fish feeds. The government is also encouraged to subsidize on the taxes imposed on implements used in cage fish farming for encouraging more and more farmers to join in the business venture.