As fish populations decline in major reservoirs such as Lake Victoria, commercial fish farming in Uganda has drawn interest from entrepreneurs as well as middle- and working-class fish farmers.
History
Fish farming in Uganda began in 1941 with the cultivation of newly imported carp. Many programs were carried out over the following decades to increase the number of fish ponds. However, many ponds were abandoned after the programs stalled.
Methods
Breeding fish in ponds remains the most common method of fish farming in Uganda. Most ponds were originally used for subsistence purposes, but because of increased commercialization, ponds have been expanded. Other methods are also being introduced, including cage cultivation.
Fish
The three most common species of fish raised in Uganda are North African catfish, Nile tilapia and carp. North African catfish is currently the most popular, accounting for 60 percent of Ugandan fish farming.
Levels
Uganda has three main economic levels of fish farming. In rural aquaculture, farmers make little or no profit, possibly selling some products in markets. Small-scale aquaculture is an intermediary level in which fish are farmed for profit and to fulfill some household dietary needs. Other fish farmers seek to convert their farms into fully commercial operations.
Production
In 2005, a projected 15,000 tons of fish were harvested from about 20,000 ponds. Most fish are sold fresh on the local level. Those destined for other markets are salted, smoked or sun dried.
