Drivers of small-scale aquaculture systems adoption and sustainability in the Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda

Abstract

Uganda’s fisheries sector is vital for economic sustenance and food security but faces challenges due to declining fish stocks, necessitating the expansion of aquaculture systems to meet fish demand. This study investigated the factors influencing small-scale fish farmers’ choice of aquaculture systems and assesses sustainability. Cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2023 in the three district that were purposively selected districts (Buikwe, Wakiso, and Mpigi). 169 fish farmers as respondents were considered for data collection, through structured surveys, focusing on several variables. The Multivariate Probit Model (MVP) was used to assess determinants of aquaculture system choice. For system sustainability, data were analyzed using a weighted scoring method. Results indicate that aquaponics had the highest sustainability index (0.715), followed by pond farming (0.508) and cage farming (0.448), with socio-economic factors, including financial resources and technical knowledge, significantly influencing system choice. Findings revealed a male predominance (83.6%) in fish farming, with higher education levels favoring cage and aquaponics, whereas household with big sizes were associated with pond farming which is likely due to resource allocation dynamics. However, financial and technical constraints hindered aquaponics expansion despite its sustainability benefits. To enhance aquaculture system choice and sustainability, the study recommends strengthening access to credit, farmer training, and government support, alongside policies that empower women and improve financial services for farmers.