Effects of predation on aquaculture production in Kitui County

Abstract

Recent developments in the agricultural field have led to the intensification of fish farming in Kenya. The value of fish in the modern-day diet has developed a market that has always been in short supply due to the high demand for fish products. However, the sector faces a major challenge of predation affecting farm productivity, which has seen some farmers dry up their ponds and look elsewhere for profitable ventures. Despite fish farmers in Kitui County experiencing challenges of predation, there is very scarce information on the types of predators, their effects, and successful control measures in the county. This study therefore sought to assess the prevalence, socio-economic impacts, and control measures of predators in fish farming in Kitui County with the most active ponds being in Kitui South and Kitui West Sub Counties, Kenya. Data was collected from 110 ponds in 7 sub-counties in Kitui County. The data collection involved the administration of questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field observations. Collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics whereby inferences were made informing the study objectives and making conclusions. The study found that fish predation is at 93% level, with major predators being birds, reptiles, domestic animals, and wild animals like mongoose, with birds being considered the worst predators. The study found that 86% of the fish farmers have various predator control measures, overhead nets, fences, and scarecrows in the place where 57% of men operate them while women constitute 27%. The various predator control measures employed are only 37.9% effective leading to 69.5 % of the fish farmers experiencing financial losses. Farmers in Kitui County employ various measures to control fish predation including fencing, the use of overhead nets, and the use of scarecrows; which means they are able to integrate separation, exclusion, and deterrent techniques of predator control in their farms. Due to predation, the study confirmed that fish farmers face deteriorating socio-economic conditions as a result of the losses and costs incurred in predator attacks and control. The study recommends that County Government of Kitui should integrate predator control training in their extension programs and prepare farmers getting into aquaculture to be ready to integrate predator control measures. Predator control innovations should also be developed to reduce the costs of controlling fish predators in the region. Further study should be undertaken to allow the application of the study outcomes in other counties in Kenya.