Uganda
In 2022, Uganda generated 101,377 tons of agricultural products. Two key species, Nile Tilapia and North African Catfish, account for 90 percent of all farmed fish. Landlocked, fish farming in Uganda is pond-based, and historically, comprised of small-scale rural aquaculture practices for subsistence. Current foreign investment and continued government intervention are catalyzing the establishment of commercial intensive farming in Uganda.
A deeper dive:
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Aquaculture was first introduced in 1942 by colonial authorities.
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Pond culture– constructed ponds where fish are stocked, fed, and harvested – is the most common aquaculture type and allows for controlled water management, ensuring optimal growth conditions for the fish.
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Cage culture techniques are starting to emerge among commercial fish farmers.
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Until recently, most fish farmers were poor villagers who practiced aquaculture for sustenance using low or no-input production systems and organic house waste.
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The government, international organizations, and private investors have promoted fish farming as an economic opportunity.
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With the rising market of fish prices and government intervention, industrial and intensive fish culture is beginning to be established.
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Fish farming in Uganda is viewed as a sustainable solution to pressure on natural fish stocks from overfishing, pollution, and environmental changes.
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The promising Aqua Park model practices polyculture by farming both tilapia and catfish in the same pond, regulating fish population by allowing catfish to eat young tilapia.
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