Contribution of small-scale aquaculture to rural livelihoods in Tanzania  

Aquaculture is one of the world's fastest growing animal producing sector with an average growth rate of 8.8% outpacing capture fisheries (1.2%) and terrestrial farmed meat production (2.8%). Globally, aquaculture is considered as an important  sector for poverty alleviation and rural development. In Tanzania aquaculture is  primarily based on subsistence farming of pond cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).  In recent years there has been increased interest on promoting aquaculture as a tool for poverty reduction and combating malnutrition  in rural areas.  Many non-governmental organizations, church based organizations and research institutes/Universities have been distributing Nile tilapia fingerlings  to small-scale farmers in rural areas as an effort to contribute effectively to poverty alleviation and improve food security among the rural poor people. Currently it is estimated that there are 20,235 fish ponds owned by 17,725 small-scale farmers. Most fish farmers in the country prefer to produce Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and few culture African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).  The main objective of this study was to determine the contribution of aquaculture enterprise to income and wellbeing of rural households in Tanzania. A household survey was carried out in four districts (Morogoro Rural, Kilosa, Mpwapwa and Mufindi districts) in Tanzania. A total of  60 small-scale fish farmers (15 per district) were randomly selected and individually interviewed. The study found that, on average farmers owned 2.8 ± 0.6 ponds which had a mean (± se) size  of 258.5 ± 74.0 m². All farmers cultured Nile tilapia and the main reasons for engaging in fish farming were production of fish for home consumption and generation of household income. On average, 23.6% of the fish harvested were consumed by the family while the remaining 76.4% were sold. Most households consumed fish either two to three times in a month (36.7%) or once per month (31.7%).  All farmers reported that they consume fish which are harvested from their own ponds and rarely they buy from the village markets. All fish farmers sold fresh fish  directly to consumers (75%), fish vendors (35%) and retailers (20%).  The mean (± se) annual income from fish farming was TZS 826,357.1 ± 179,764.5, and this contributed 19.3% of the total household income. The income from aquaculture enterprise was used for house construction (45%), to pay school fees (40%), buy consumer goods (25%), buy livestock to increase herd size (15%), pay medical bills (5%), pay costs for crop farming (5%) and buy food during period of food shortage (5%). The study revealed that small-scale aquaculture enterprise contributes significantly to household income and wellbeing of rural farmers.