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Developing Smallholder Aquaculture in Kenya into Viable Enterprises: A case study of Nyaguta fish ponds in Kisii, Kenya
Smallholder fish farming contribute to improved nutrition, incomes and livelihoods of rural
communities. Despite the potential, aquaculture in most rural areas is based on extensive
production systems characterized by low availability in inputs. In Nyaguta, farmers are involved
in agricultural production activities, including fish farming. However, most farmers do not keep
records of resources used in their ponds (inputs, and labour) and outputs. This makes it
impossible to assess the profitability of the enterprises. A study was carried out with the
objectives: To characterize the inputs used by the farmers and determine the rearing parameters,
to describe the fish farmers' practices and assess the fish farming cycle and to determine
profitability. Monosex tilapia was stocked in 300m2 ponds at 3 fish/m2 and fed on pellet feed at
5% body weight. Semi-quantitative and qualitative data was collected from nine ponds over the
production cycle (February 2010 to June 2011). An enterprise budget was used to compare
profitability. Sale of harvested fish, gave the revenue or total income (TI) from each pond.
Variable costs (inputs, labour and other operational inputs) were calculated. Family labour costs,
were calculated separately to differentiate from casual labour. Total income (TI) less total
variable costs (TVC) gave net income (NI) for each pond. From such a snapshot analysis of costs
and returns, farmers would tell if their ventures were profitable or not. It also offered them an
opportunity to determine areas to cut down or upscale during the production cycle to maximize
on profits. It is only after profit realization, that farmers can be motivated to continue investing in
fish farming and related activities
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