Abstract

Several decades of general agricultural research in Africa have only produced fragmentary data on the results of different systems of pisciculture. Consequently, the lack of comparative data hampers the work of technique dissemination. This project will assess and compare productivity characteristics of various methods in fish farming. Specifically, the yield of six different fish culture methods will be examined on-farm as well as at a research station. Appropriate training will be provided to a group of fish farmers who are expected to eventually demonstrate the techniques to others.

Post-Project Summary

Researchers defined and tested fish farming technological packages for use in rural areas of Côte d'Ivoire concentrating on both the biological/technical and economic factors of fish farm production. On-station and on-farm trials were conducted. The lack of available credit for farmers to incorporate fish farming into their operations was identified as a problem. Low survival rates were experienced in the clarias fingerlings, the exact cause of which was not determined by the time of project completion. It was noted, however, that the longer the fish were kept in the ponds, the lower the survival rate. It was thought that this was due to the fish eating each other.

Workshops and meetings were held with local farmers. A small group of fish farming experts was created, which consisted of professionals from associated fields, civil servants, and peasant fish farmers. The peasants comprised the majority of the group, with an 85% representation. Project scientists were involved in meetings, workshops, and training sessions with individuals from several African nations. This interaction contributed to the formation of an African network for fish farming research and practice.

Recipient Institution(s)