A NEW GUIDE TO FISH FARMING IN KENYA
A NEW GUIDE TOFISH FARMINGIN KENYACharles C. Ngugi James R. Bowman Bethuel O. OmoloAquaculture Collaborative Research Support Program
A New Guide to Fish Farming in KenyaCharles C. NgugiDepartment of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Moi UniversityJames R. BowmanDepartment of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State UniversityBethuel O. OmoloFisheries Department, Ministry of Livestock and FisheriesDevelopment, Government of KenyaDesign by Beth Kerrigan and Aaron ZurcherCover photo by Charles C. NgugiAquaculture CRSPAquaculture CRSP Management Office College of Agricultural ScienceOregon State University 418 Snell Hall Corvallis, Oregon 97331–1643 USA
In the spirit of science, the Program ManagementOffice of the Aquaculture Collaborative Research SupportProgram (ACRSP) realizes the importance of providinga forum for all research results and thought and does notendorse any one particular view.The opinions expressed herein are those of the authorsand do not necessarily represent an official position orpolicy of the United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID) or the Aquaculture CRSP.Mention of trade names or commercial products does notconstitute endorsement or recommendation for use on thepart of USAID or the Aquaculture CRSP. The authorsare solely responsible for the accuracy, reliability, andoriginality of work presented here, and neither USAID northe Aquaculture CRSP can assume responsibility for theconsequences of its use.This publication is made possible under the sponsorship ofUSAID under Grant No. LAG-G–00–96–90015–00 and thecollaborating US and international institutions.US Institutions:Oregon State UniversityKenyan Institutions:Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences,Moi UniversityFisheries Department, Ministry of Livestock andFisheries Development, Government of KenyaISBN 978-0-9798658-0-0All rights reserved. 2007 Aquaculture CRSP
ContentsChapter 1: Aquaculture Planning 11.1: Selecting a good pond site 21.2: Integrating fish culture into your farm 71.3: Marketing your fish 10Chapter 2: Pond Design and Construction 132.1: Pond design and layout 142.2: Pond construction 22Chapter 3: Species Suitable for Culture in Kenya 293.1: Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus 303.2: African catfish. Clarias gariepinus 34Chapter 4: Fishpond Management 384.1:4.2:4.3:4.4:4.5:4.6:4.7:4.8:Preparing your fishpond for stocking 39Stocking your fishpond 43Feeding your fish 46Managing water and soil quality in your pond 51Preventing fish diseases and controlling predators 55Harvesting your fish 59Intensifying production in your fishponds 62Keeping fish farm records 65Chapter 5: Hatchery Management 755.1: General hatchery considerations 765.2: Tilapia seed production 785.3: Catfish seed production 81Chapter 6: Fish Farming Economics. 886.1: Enterprise budgets .906.2: Cash flow analysis 93
IntroductionKenya is endowed with numerous aquatic resources with aquaculturalpotential. It has highly varied climatic and geographic regions, coveringa part of the Indian Ocean coastline, a portion of the largest freshwaterlake in Africa (Lake Victoria), and several large rivers, swamps, and otherwetlands, all of which support an abundance of native aquatic species.These aquatic environments range from marine and brackish waters tocold and warm fresh waters, and many can sustainably contribute to theoperation of ponds for fish production.Warmwater fish farming in ponds began in Kenya in the 1920s, initiallyusing tilapia species and later including the common carp and theAfrican catfish. In the 1960s rural fish farming was popularized by theKenya Government through the “Eat More Fish” campaign; as a resultof this effort, tilapia farming expanded rapidly, with the construction ofmany small ponds, especially in Kenya’s Central and Western Provinces.However, the number of productive ponds declined in the 1970s, mainlybecause of inadequate extension services, a lack of quality fingerlings,and insufficient training for extension workers. Until the mid 1990s, fishfarming in Kenya followed a pattern similar to that observed in manyAfrican countries, characterized by small ponds, subsistence-levelmanagement, and very low levels of production.Today, following the renovation of several government fish rearingfacilities, the establishment of research programs to determine bestpractices for pond culture, and an intensive training program for fisheriesextension workers, there is renewed interest in fish farming in Kenya.Farmers in suitable areas across the country are again turning to fishfarming as a way of producing high quality food, either for their familiesor for the market, and as a way of earning extra income. Because of recentlocally conducted research and on-farm trials, farmers are learning thatthe application of appropriate techniques and good management canresult in high yields and a good income.The key to the continued development of fish farming in Kenya is to putthe results of research conducted at government and university facilitiesinto practical terms and make them available to farmers, extensionworkers, and trainers. This manual therefore seeks to make an updatedintroduction to the basic concepts of fish farming in Kenya available to allwho need it. It is designed to follow up on previously available guides,such as An Elementary Guide to Fish Farming, produced by the FisheriesDepartment in 1987, by synthesizing technological information that hasbecome available during the last 30 years, including research that has beenconducted by the Aquaculture Collaborative Research Support Program.Though the manual has been designed for use in Kenya, the authors hopethat it will be useful in other parts of Africa as well.
Chapter 1: Aquaculture PlanningA farmer considering culturing fish needs to consider a number offactors that may affect the success and profitability of the enterprise.Surveys for suitable sites or evaluations of specific sites should firstidentify strengths and weaknesses of physical characteristics such as thesuitability of the soil, the topography of the land, and the availabilityof good quality water. Evaluations should also consider marketdemands, proximity to markets, and the availability of needed inputssuch as fertilizers and feeds. In addition, all existing and planned usesof the catchment area should be studied to determine how they mightcontribute to or interfere with the farming enterprise.This chapter addresses the questions of selecting good pond sites(Section 1.1), integrating fish culture into the farm as a whole (Section1.2), and marketing the fish that have been produced (Section 1.3).1
1.1: Selecting a Good Pond SiteIntroductionIn land-based aquaculture, the most commonly used culture unitsare earthen ponds. When evaluating and selecting sites for earthenfishponds, the main physical factors to consider are the land area, thewater supply, and the soil. The following points should be kept in mindfor each.Land area Establish that the land is relatively level. Steeply sloped land isnot generally suitable for building ponds. A slope of about 1% isconsidered ideal. Determine that the area is large enough for your present plans andfor any future expansion. The area should not be prone to flooding. Study weather recordsfor the area, ask local residents about flooding in recent years, andlook for actual evidence that flooding has occurred. The area should not be subject to pollution in runoff from adjacentland. Find out who owns adjacent and uphill land, how they usethe land, and what chemicals (including fertilizers and pesticides)they use. If possible, the land must be slightly lower than the water source,so that the ponds can be filled by gravity rather than by pumping.Supplying water by gravity greatly reduces energy inputs andoperating costs. In most cases the larger the surface area (with gentle slope), thebetter. This is only true if the land and water are not expensive. Consider development plans for neighboring areas and assess anycauses for concern.Figure 1.1-1. Relatively level land, as pictured above, ismost suitable for building earthen ponds. Steep hillsidesor very rocky areas are not suitable.2
Water supplyThe most common sources of water used for aquaculture are surfacewaters (streams, springs, lakes) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Ofthese, wells and springs are generally preferred for their consistently highwater quality. The quantity and quality of water should be adequate to supportproduction through seasonal fluctuations. Determine that the quality of the intended water source is goodenough for fish to thrive in.ww A good water source will be relatively free of silt, aquatic insects,other potential predators, and toxic substances, and it will havea high concentration of dissolved oxygen.ww If fish are already living and reproducing in the water (forexample a river or lake), this is usually an indication that thequality is good.ww Find out if the quality remains constant throughout the year orif there are seasonal changes that result in poor quality at certaintimes. Make the final site selection based on both the quality and quantityof water available. The quantity of water required depends on the species to becultured and on the anticipated management practices, for examplewhether ponds will be operated as static ponds (no water flowingthrough) or as flow-through systems.Figure 1.1-2. A good water source is one that provideshigh quality water in sufficient quantity throughout theyear. Supplying water to ponds by gravity is preferable.3
ww Coldwater species like trout require a lot of water because theyprefer a continuous supply of clean water with high dissolvedoxygen concentrations (above 9 mg/L).ww Warmwater species like tilapia can tolerate water with lowerdissolved oxygen levels, so tilapia culture is often done instatic water, that is, without water flowing through the ponds.However, the best situation is to have a lot of “free” water,meaning water available by gravity flow, even if it is not alwaysbeing used. For earthen ponds, the water source should be able to provide atleast 1 m3 of water (1000 litres) per minute for each hectare of pondsthat will be built. This quantity will be sufficient for quickly fillingthe ponds as well as for maintaining water levels throughout theculture period. If the selected site has relatively poor soils (i.e., soils containing toomuch sand) the source should be able to provide two to three timesmore water (2-3 m3 per minute per hectare). This quantity of waterwill be sufficient for maintaining water levels to compensate forlosses that are likely to occur through seepage.Soil Land should be comprised of good quality soil, with little or nogravel or rocks either on the surface or mixed in. Areas with rocky,gravelly, or sandy soil are not suitable for pond construction. The soil should be deep, extending down at least 1 metre below thesurface. There should not be layers of rock lying close to the surface. Soils in the area where ponds will be built should have clay layerssomewhere below the surface to prevent downward seepage. Soil that will be used to build the dykes must contain at least20% clay so the finished pond will hold water throughout thegrowing period. Some soil with a higher clay content—preferably between 30 and40%—should be available nearby. It will be used to pack the coretrenches in the dykes.Other factors to consider1. Proximity to a market Does market demand justify production? Will the existing physical infrastructure meet the farmer’s needsfor marketing the fish? Will there be sufficient demand nearby or will transporting toa distant market often be a necessity? It is easier to sell at yourdoorstep or to have a permanent buyer who takes everything youcan produce and either picks the fish up or is close enough thatyou can deliver the fish to them.4
Figure 1.1-3. Your fish can be sold either onthe pond bank or at a fish market.2. Infrastructure Are the roads good enough to bring supplies to the farm and takethe product to the market? Are telephone service and electrical power available at the site?ww If an intensive production system is necessary due to constraints ofspace or water, access to power is a must. Electrical power is abouttwo times cheaper than diesel power in Kenya (2006 prices).ww Telephone service may be needed for ordering supplies,arranging marketing, or requesting technical assistance.5
3. Availability of needed inputs Are fertilizers and lime available at reasonable cost? Are fingerlings available at a reasonable cost? Are fish feeds available for purchase, or are suitable ingredientsavailable so the farmer can produce his own?4. Personnel Hire qualified people as farm staff. Raising fish requires specificknowledge acquired only through training. However, trainingis not the only criterion to use when selecting workers: Lookfor workers who understand farming and are dedicated to asuccessful operation.5. Access to Technical Advice Be sure good technical advice is readily available. Local extensionagents or trained consultants are good possibilities. Remember:technical advice can be expensive and is sometimes wrong. Doublecheck advice received with a qualified individual (meaning theyhave produced a few tons of fish before) who is sincerely interestedin your success. Good consultants admit when they don’t know theneeded information. Consider both criticism and compliments very carefully: The bestadvice may come in the form of criticism, and compliments can bemisleading. Horticulture and animal husbandry consultants may know aboutbusiness planning for agriculture but probably do not know enoughabout fish farming to give proper technical advice.6. Competition Know who your competitors are and how much they sell their fishfor. Consider whether you will be able to match their price andquality or even outsell them by producing a better product orselling at a lower price. If fish demand is high, cooperating with nearby fish producers tomarket the fish might be a possibility. The presence of several fishfarmers in an area may make it possible for inputs to be obtained lessexpensively by forming a purchasing block (cooperative or group).7. Legal issuesConsider whether or not there are any legal issues that will affect yourability to culture fish at this site. Would any of the following prevent youfrom going into fish farming: Land Use Act? Water Act? EnvironmentalManagement and Coordination Act? Others?Moving onI. f your site is suitable for pond construction with respect to land, soil,and water, and if you are satisfied that other selection criteria have beenmet, you can go ahead with planning.6
1.2: Integrating Fish Culture into Your FarmIntroductionIn addition to producing fish to eat or sell, there are other advantages togrowing fish. Adding fish farming to other farm enterprises can makeyour overall operation more efficient and more profitable. This comesabout by sharing space, inputs, byproducts, and labor associated withother crops, and especially by using or re-using materials available onthe farm.Manure & Food WasteFish PondWaste FishWaterMudPossible use of Weedsas Food for AnimalsWastes or GreensAnimalsManureVegetable GardenFigure 1.2-1. Many of the inputs, products, and byproducts of a farm can be shared to makethe overall operation more economical.Factors to considerSome considerations of integrating fish culture into overall farmactivities include: How much are you willing to invest in the project? How much time will be spent on fish production compared toother farm activities? Will growing fish enhance your food supply (when stocking fishfor domestic use) or increase your income? Or are you engaging inthe activity just because your neighbours have a similar project?MethodsOnce satisfied that a site is suitable for building a pond and thatgrowing fish will be a profitable endeavour, here are some possibleways to integrate fish farming into your overall farm operation forgreater efficiency and profitability:7
Plan your farm layout in such a way that work and materials willflow in a logical, smooth manner. For example, try to position crop,livestock, and fish units so that byproducts from one unit can easily bemoved to another (One possible layout is shown in Figure 1.2-2). Also,if fishponds are positioned uphill from land crops it may be possibleto use fertile pond water to irrigate your other crops by gravity.Main RoadProduceStorageSupplyStorageService RoadLivestock UnitManuresFish PondFertile WaterGardenDrainage CanalWater Supply CanalFertilizer/FeedsFigure 1.2-2. Illustration of a logical farm layout. Try byproducts from some farm activities as inputs for otheractivities. For example, animal manures may double as fertilizersfor many crops, including fish. Use grasses cut as part of routine weeding or maintenance in yourfertilization scheme. Some kinds of grasses can be used as feeds foranimals, as well as for some species of fish. Most grasses can alsobe incorporated into composts, which make excellent fertilizers formany crops—including fish. Farms with chickens may consider building chicken houses overponds, so chicken droppings and uneaten feed fall directly into thepond and serve as a fertilizer and food. About 1 chicken per 2 m2 ofpond surface area usually gives good results. Similarly, operations with pigs might build pigsties close to ponds somanure can be easily washed into the pond to fertilize it. In this case,be sure you can control the amount going into the pond so it is notoverfertilized. Use about one pig per 166 m2 of pond surface area. Other animals integrated with fish culture have included cattle,goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and rabbits.8
If rice is grown in paddies, it may be possible to rear fish in the ricepaddies. This requires preparing the paddy a little differently than usualbut can lead to an extra crop (fish) without reducing rice production.Consult your extension officer for advice on how to do this. Plan daily work activities so you accomplish as many tasks aspossible on each trip. Try not to make any trip “empty handed.” Whenever possible, plan trips to the market or farm supply shop (e.g.,for fertilizers or feeds) so purchasing and delivery of supplies for allenterprises is done in a single trip, rather than making several trips. Be creative in trying to find ways in which fish culture and yourother farm enterprises can complement each other to help the farmreach top efficiency and a
using tilapia species and later including the common carp and the African catfish. In the 1960s rural fish farming was popularized by the Kenya Government through the “Eat More Fish” campaign; as a result of this effort, tilapia farming expanded rapidly, with the construction of
When I found One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish I was sure I’d found the best learn-to-count book and that it would explain how to count without a grown-up to get you started.7 Here’s how it begins: One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. Black fish, blue fish old fish, new fish. This one has a litt
r. Seuss's One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish is a clas-sic children's story, a simple rhyming book for beginning readers. We need a similar rhyme to help people grasp the problems afflicting Alberta's native fish species. It might read like this: Two fish, one fish, dead fish, no fish, No grayling or goldeye, something's amiss .
Fish noun Fish noun Examples Freshwater fish live in rivers and lakes. Freshwater fish live in rivers and lakes. Saltwater fish live in oceans and seas. Saltwater fish live in oceans and seas. The fish is swimming in the water. The fish is swimming in the water. The fish is looking at the bait. The fish is looking at the bait. freshwater fish .
Page 1 of 37 2012 HOME ECONOMICS SEC MARKING SCHEME PAPER I 1a. Two other types of fish (2 x 0.5 marks) oily fish, shell fish. b.i. Type of fish which has tough fibres (0.5 mark) oily fish b.ii. Type of fish which is easily digested (0.5 mark) white fish c. Nutritive value of fish
Fish Dichotomous Key Step 1 If fish shape is long and skinny then go to step 2 If fish shape is not long and skinny, then go to step 3 Step 5 If fish has spots, then go to step 6 If fish does not have spots, then go to step 7 Step 2 If fish has pointed fins, it is a trumpet fish If fish has smooth fins, it is a spotted moray eel Step 6
fish, they get bigger and bigger and get more and more mercury in their body. REALLY BIG FISH Catching really big fish may be more fun than catching small fish. But eating really big fish may not be as good for you as small fish. You should only eat really big bass or walleye once a month. You can eat other types of fish or smaller bass or .
eating fish and chips on the beach, how many goldfish they have in their fish tank at home, fish have bones, fish only live in water, some fish can jump and fish are slimy. What a wealth of prior knowledge and understanding about fish these preschoolers already had.
May 27, 2015 · 5. Watch for signs of overfeeding: fat fish, uneaten food on the bottom of the tank, clogged screens in baby tanks. The rule of thumb is to give the fish as much as they will eat in about 5 minutes. 6. Watch for signs of underfeeding: skinny fish, really hungry fish, slow growth of young fish. 7. Maintain a fish density of between 5-15 fish per .File Size: 375KB
