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• 1. [Article] 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 ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Developing Smallholder Aquaculture in Kenya into Viable Enterprises: A case study of Nyaguta fish ponds in Kisii, Kenya Author: Charo-Karisa, Harrison, Okechi, John, Mikolasek, Olivier 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. Title: Developing Smallholder Aquaculture in Kenya into Viable Enterprises: A case study of Nyaguta fish ponds in Kisii, Kenya Author: Charo-Karisa, Harrison, Okechi, John, Mikolasek, Olivier 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. Close

• 2. [Article] The Role of Government in Promoting Commercial Aquaculture in Africa: Examples from East Africa

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  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Role of Government in Promoting Commercial Aquaculture in Africa: Examples from East Africa Author: Mbugua, Henry, Charo-Karisa, Harrison, Nyonje, Betty, Ngugi, Charles, Wilson Gichuri, Maina, Opyo, Mary, Micheni Ntiba, Japheth Abstract only Title: The Role of Government in Promoting Commercial Aquaculture in Africa: Examples from East Africa Author: Mbugua, Henry, Charo-Karisa, Harrison, Nyonje, Betty, Ngugi, Charles, Wilson Gichuri, Maina, Opyo, Mary, Micheni Ntiba, Japheth Abstract only Close

• 3. [Article] Problems and Prospects in Developing Aquaculture for Livelihood Enhancement in Gucha, Meru and Taiata Taveta in the Republic of Kenya

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  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Problems and Prospects in Developing Aquaculture for Livelihood Enhancement in Gucha, Meru and Taiata Taveta in the Republic of Kenya Author: Charo-Karisa, Harrison, Munguti, Jonathan, Orina, Paul, Opyo, Mary, Yongo, Ernest Abstract Only Title: Problems and Prospects in Developing Aquaculture for Livelihood Enhancement in Gucha, Meru and Taiata Taveta in the Republic of Kenya Author: Charo-Karisa, Harrison, Munguti, Jonathan, Orina, Paul, Opyo, Mary, Yongo, Ernest Abstract Only Close