Abstract:
This study was conducted to analyze socio-economic and environmental effects of urban fish farming in Dar es Salaam. Gross Margin was used to determine the profitability of urban fish farming. Results indicate that urban fish farming are operating profitably. The gross margin obtained by tilapia farmers ranges from TZS 658 000/= to 2 515 350/= per pond per production cycle. While gross margin obtained by African catfish farmers ranges from TZS 3 750 000/= to 9 590 000/=. Contribution of urban fish farming on household income was determined. Results indicated that urban fish farming had 7% contribution to total household income. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the effect of urban fish farming on employment creation. The findings showed that 86.7% of urban fish farming household reported to use hired labour for their fish production. Effects of urban fish farming on household food security were determined. Results indicated that urban fish farming play an important role to the household food security because of its provision of high-quality food, generation of household incomes for buying other kind of foods and available food supply to markets. Effect of urban fish farming on environment was assessed and the findings showed that threats and stress of the ecosystem caused by violation of environmental rules and values together with land and water pollution resulting from lack of proper drainage system are the two major effect of urban fish farming on the environment. In conclusion, urban fish farming in general face a number of constraints that hinder the development of sustainable and profitable fish farming. This study has recommended that the constraints need to be addressed by involving government, researchers and private parties in establishing sustainable and profitable urban fish farming in Dar es Salaam.
