Effect of Social and Economic Drivers on Success of Small Scale Fish farming in Western Kenya

Abstract

Aquaculture in Kenya provides important livelihood opportunities for the rural poor by improving the local economy as well as supplementing protein sources. Despite being one of the areas with highest aquaculture potential in the country, Western Kenya records some of the highest rates of poverty and malnutrition. This study undertook an assessment of socio-economic factors affecting small scale fish farmers in this region. Structured questionnaires were administered to 135 households through direct interviews. The relationship between fish production and variables affecting it were modeled using a multiple linear regression. The results revealed that access to road infrastructure was the most significant (p=0.00239) factor affecting fish production in the study area. Other significant factors of production include pond management level (p=0.01452), source of water for fish farms (p = 0.02029), fish feed (p=0.02241), status of fish ponds (p=0.0289) and location of ponds (p=0.029). Therefore policy planning for aquaculture development should strongly consider these factors as an important aspect of fish farming.