Socio-economic factors affecting the successful implementation of aquaculture projects in Zimbabwe; a case study of Chivi District

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the socio-economic factors which affect the successful implementation of rural fish farming projects and to come up with possible interventions. 81 participants were randomly selected from the 513 farmers involved in fish farming projects in 16 wards of Chivi District. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data to identify the major socio economic constraints and priorities for fish farming improvement. Data was analyzed for the common viability challenges encountered by fish farmers, causes of project failure as well as the possible interventions that could be made to improve on the surviving projects. The farmers were willing to engage in rural aquaculture production although there are challenges such as water shortages, theft, low production levels and scarcity of feeds among other challenges. Water shortage was ranked as the major cause of projects failure, followed by feed shortages. It is suggested that there is need for the government to support rural aquaculture projects in terms of capital resources geared towards research on aquaculture, resuscitation of silted small reservoirs in the area, capacitating extension service providers in the public sector with adequate knowledge and revitalize institutional structures.