An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Small Scale Fish Farming in Improving Livelihoods of Small-Scale Farmers: A Case of Selected Households in Chinsali DistrictDISTRICT

Abstract

Small-scale fish farming is an agriculture mechanism that helps to eradicate poverty among the poor especially in rural areas. The main objective of this study therefore was to assess the effectiveness of small-scale fish farming in improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Chinsali District. The following were the research questions for the study: To what extent does small-scale fish farming improve employment provision in Chinsali District? To what level does small-scale fish farming lead to increased household income generation in Chinsali District? What is the contribution of small-scale fish farming in improving food security in Chinsali District? This investigation was accomplished through a mixed research approach involving both quantitative and qualitative methods. Questionnaires were prepared and administered to 55 small-scale farmers involved in fish farming in Chinsali District. In addition, data was obtained from four (4) government officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock using semi-structured interviews in order to add expert views to the topic. The findings of the study were analysed using SPSS version 27 and thematic analysis. The results of the study showed that small-scale fish farming was making headways in improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Chinsali District by making significant contributions to employment provision, income generation and food security. However, the results also showed that the benefits from small-scale fish farming were currently not adequate enough to fully improve the livelihood of small-scale farmers as the yields being attained from small-scale fish farming in the district were very minimal. Nevertheless, there is need for the Ministry of Fisheries and livestock to conduct rigorous national research on the impact of small-scale fish farming in Zambia. There is also need to provide training and funding to small scale fish farmers in Chinsali District in order to improve efficiency in fish production. In the long run, small-scale fish farming would significantly improve the livelihood of small-scale farmers in Zambia through employment provision, income generation and ensuring a sustained food security. Small-scale fish farming would also improve the image of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFLS).