Abstract:
Fish farming is associated with ecological constraints of climate change, predators, floods,
environmental pollution; poor stocking seed, poor dry formulated feeds and seasonal water
source/drying of fish ponds. These constraints greatly affected fish production. This study examined the perception of fish farmers of ecological constraints that limit aquaculture
development carried out from 17 th December 2022 to 28 th January 2023 in Sironko district in
Eastern Uganda with the main objective of Ecological Constraints to earthen Fish Pond
Aquaculture Development in Sironko District, Eastern Uganda. Due to time constraints, a case
study research design was used in the study because of time factor only fish farmers as case
study were targeted in the district to examine their perception of the ecological effects on fish
pond culture. Qualitative and Quantitative approaches were employed and Data collecting tool
was the questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and descriptive statistics like
frequency tables, bar graphs, pie charts were used. The results revealed that most of the
respondents were male (64%), education level (44%) primary as highest and major source of
earning was fish farming with (48%). Sironko is divided in three zones, the upper land, midland
and low land, the upper land is very cold especially during rainy season in sub counties like
Bukyabo, Masaba, Zesui. The low land faces floods and also water shortages during dry spell.
Basing on research results it showed that ecological constraints have a negative impact on the
aquaculture development in Sironko and (80%) of the farmers faced challenges, However,
farmer ’ s perception on ecological constraints affecting aquaculture development in Sironko were,
very cold Temperatures, floods, water shortage, predators. Recommendations are; For upper land
where cold temperatures are experienced farmers should culture Mirror carp, Fish farms should
be fenced and put predator nets around the ponds to avoid predators accessing the fish ponds. For
the problem of water shortage farmers should stock fish in march and harvest starting from
September on-words so that dry spell of December-February is avoided and Wide trenches
should be dug to allow excess water from heavy rain not to flood. Any farming of horticulture
near the fish farm, should use the tradition way of controlling pests and also use organic manure.
