Potential, challenges and opportunities for promoting integrated agri-aquaculture among vegetable growers and fish farmers in Mvomero district of Morogoro region, Tanzania
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Integrated Agri-Aquaculture (IAA) is the integration of fish farming within a broader farming
system. Although this system is common in Asia, it is not widely practised in Africa and Tanzania
in particular. For many years, lakes, ocean and rivers have been the main source of fish supply
in the country. However, the recent upsurge in fish demand coupled with such factors as the
use of destructive fishing gears, population growth and poor agricultural practices which lead
to pollution and climate change have rendered these sources unsustainable. To increase fish
supply, several interventions for promoting fish farming have been implemented. Specifically, IAA
is promoted to optimally utilize locally available resources and reduce environmental impacts.
However, the main concern is that there has been low yield attained from the IAA contrary to
its aim of increasing overall farm yield and income. As a relatively new farming system in the
target community, it deemed necessary to explore issues and conditions limiting IAA practice
starting with testing its acceptability within the farming communities. The present study analysed
the potentials, challenges and opportunities for adopting IAA in Mvomero district of Morogoro
region, Tanzania. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from vegetable growers
and fish farmers. Findings showed that there was a high level of awareness and interest in IAA
among vegetable growers and fish farmers. However, only 14% of vegetable growers practised IAA
compared to 75% of fish farmers. Lack of knowledge and quality inputs were the main challenges
facing the IAA farming system. The study recommends practical training of vegetable farmers
on IAA and Integrated Pest Management aspects as a means of promoting IAA. Efforts for IAA
promotion should be geared towards facilitating the formation of farmer groups for peer learning
and practising IAA
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Journal Article
Keywords
Agri-aquaculture, adoption, potentials, opportunities, Challenges, Mvomero, Tanzania