The status and challenges of aquaculture development in Dodoma, a semi-arid region in Tanzania

Demand for fish is growing rapidly in Tanzania due to population growth and rising incomes. However, as fewer wild fish are being caught, there is a gap in fish supply. Aquaculture is a viable alternative source to meet the gap in fish demand. Tanzania has the perfect climate and land for fish farming. Aquaculture in fresh and salt water has grown quickly, yet the potential is not being fully tapped. Thus, the study assessed the growth of aquaculture in Dodoma, a rapidly developing semi-arid region of Tanzania, in order to determine its potential, challenges, and solutions. Thirty-six fish farmers from Dodoma urban district were visited and interviewed. The interviews gathered information about management practices, fish yield, and challenges. The findings show that aquaculture in the region began around 9 years ago, when the region began to expand. The aquaculture includes small-scale pond farming of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Fish yield was about 1925 kg ha(-1) per culture cycle, and fish customers are definitely available. The main challenges were limited supply and high prices of fish feed and seeds, and limited water supply. Use of commercial feed, pond fertilisation, access to extension services, and ownership of a borehole were related to high fish yields in both species. Expansion of aquaculture in the region is possible with the improvement of extension services and training of farmers in proper breeding, feeding, and water management. To decrease water demands, integrated aquaculture, water recycling, and aquaponics should be encouraged.

Automated summary

The demand for fish in Tanzania is increasing due to population growth and rising incomes, but the decline in wild fish catches has created a supply gap. Aquaculture provides a viable alternative to meet the fish demand gap. However, despite the perfect climate and land for fish farming in Tanzania, the potential of aquaculture is not fully tapped. This study assesses the growth of aquaculture in Dodoma, Tanzania, and identifies its potential, challenges, and solutions.