Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary information on fish farming in Noun Division in order to contribute to the improvement of fish production and productivity. The Accelerated Participatory Research Method (APRM) and snowball approach were adopted. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study revealed that fish farming is practiced in all the subdivisions of Noun Division. This activity is dominated by men (94%), polygamists (86%), over 60 years of age (55%) and with a primary education level (75%). The fish raised are mainly intended for self-consumption (81%) and self-financing (92%) is the main source of financing for this type of farming. Production costs are unknown to 98% of the farmers. Almost all fish farmers practice the extensive farming system (96%) with family labor (74%) being the most used. The common practice in this type of farming is monoculture (63%) with Oriochromis niloticus (65%) in ponds and not fertilized (71%). Local feed is used by 90% of these farmers. Age, fish farming education, marketing location and source of funding are the main socio-economic characteristics most correlated with fish farm performance indicators. Age is negatively correlated with production quantity, while source of finance is not. The development of fish farming in Noun Division will therefore require the implementation of participatory strategies with the farmers that will allow the government to promote fish farming and strengthen the extension services for this activity.

Keywords:Fish farming; Characterization; Farming techniques; Noun division