Ecological constraints to earthen fish pond aquaculture development in Sironko district, eastern Uganda

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.