ISSN 2375-0715
African Journal of Fisheries Science ISSN 2375-0715 Vol. 6 (6), pp. 001-008, June, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Profitability analysis of small scale aquaculture enterprises in Central Uganda
Theodora S. Hyuha1*, James O. Bukenya2, Julius Twinamasiko1 and Joseph Molnar4
1Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere, University, Kampala, Uganda.
2Department of Finance, Agribusiness and Economics, Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama, USA.
4Office of International Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn Alabama, USA.
Accepted 19 January, 2018
Abstract
The study had three overriding objectives. Firstly, to assess the profitability of small-scale aquaculture production enterprises in central Uganda; secondly, to ascertain the factors affecting profitability; and thirdly, to identify the constraints to fish farming in the region.The data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to a random sample of 200 small scale fish farmers in the three major fish farming districts of Mpigi, Mukono and Wakiso in central Uganda. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, enterprise budgeting and ordinary linear regression. Although the results show small-scale aquaculture enterprises to be profitable in the study region, the estimated profit margins are relatively small. Farming experience, fish price, record keeping, feed cost and volume of fish harvested were the most influential factors in explaining profitability. The key factors identified as hindrances to aquaculture development in the region included predators, unavailability of credit facilities, expensive feeds, shortage and poor quality of fingerlings.
Key words: Aquaculture, enterprise budgets, profitability, Uganda, small farmers.