Factors Leading to Scarcity of Fresh Fish Food Along the Continuum of Fish Farming of Kola-Kisarawe, Tanzania.

Abstract

Fish feeding are more crucial on how fish farmers carry out their functions. However, only a few studies have interfered with this relevance. This study explores how fish farmers affected by the lack of fish food. It delves deeper into explore factors leading to scarcity of fish food along the continuum of fish farming of Kola-Kisarawe and recommend strategies for improving the same. The study carried out at Kola-Kisarawe Tanzania. Data were collected using a qualitative approach with a case study design. Method of data collection were key informant interview, and participant observation. 5 key informant’s respondents were made up the study's sample, which were selected using purposive sampling technique. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data with the application of MAXQDA 10 software. Findings showed the scarcity of fish food were rotated around to the lack of Fresh fish feeding and financial assistance such as high cost of fish food, lack of fund for adequately purchases fish food as well as lack of quality food. Also, Fresh fish feeding formulation such as lack of designing fish formulation process, lack of laboratory, lack of sufficient information for obtaining fish food, lack of experience and knowledge to produce fish food as well as unfavorable storage conditions were other factors. Similarly, fresh fish feeding network were associated to absent of network of food source, poor government support, lack compliment food sources, poor communication and cost of purchases food. Finally, inadequate knowledge and information for fish food were caused by poor government intervention, inadequate knowledge and skills as well as inadequate storage and handling of fish food. The study recommends stakeholders to install modern facilities for manufacturing fish food, provision of financial aids and sensitization of knowledge to improve fish food production and minimize freight charges involved in importing fish food.