Sustainability of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Lake Victoria Basin

Strategic Insights -

Small-scale aquaculture systems in the Lake Victoria Basin of Uganda hold potential for improving livelihoods, food security, and economic growth, but African fish farmers struggle to achieve profitability. Research conducted by Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources investigated the financial performance of three small-scale aquaculture systems: ponds, cages, and aquaponics. The study found that cage culture achieved a positive gross margin, while ponds and aquaponics faced financial challenges due to high costs and infrastructure expenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed the financial performance of 169 fish farmers from Mpigi, Wakiso, and Buikwe districts in Uganda's Lake Victoria Basin.
  • Cage culture achieved a positive gross margin, while pond and aquaponics systems faced financial challenges due to high fixed and variable expenses.
  • Farm size and fish prices have a significant impact on profitability, with high fish feed costs and predator problems hindering financial performance.
  • Cost-effective feed management practices, financial assistance, and market linkages are recommended to improve the financial sustainability of aquaculture systems.
  • The study used stratified random sampling, econometric analysis, and a linear regression model to analyze attributes influencing profitability.
  • The research was led by Syliver Byabasaija, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), with additional authors Moses Limuwa and Ronald Semyalo.

Statistics:

  • 169 fish farmers from Mpigi, Wakiso, and Buikwe districts in Uganda's Lake Victoria Basin were interviewed as part of the study.
  • The study analyzed three small-scale aquaculture systems: ponds, cages, and aquaponics.
  • Cage culture achieved a positive gross margin of [insert data], while ponds and aquaponics faced financial challenges with a net loss of [insert data]%.
  • The study recommends cost-effective feed management practices to reduce fish feed costs by [insert data]%.
  • The research aims to improve the financial sustainability of aquaculture systems in the Lake Victoria Basin.

Sources:

  • Optimizing small-scale aquaculture systems in the Lake Victoria Basin Uganda through analysis of profitability drivers. Discover Sustainability, 2025,6(1):1-15. [1]
  • NewsRx. Studies from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the Area of Sustainability Research Published (Optimizing small-scale aquaculture systems in the Lake Victoria Basin Uganda through analysis of profitability drivers). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. September 5, 2025; p 803. [2]

[1] Journal article available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01706-8

[2] News report from VerticalNews.