Department of Fisheries and Water Resources

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    Assessing the potential of environmental and social economic effects of aqua agro ecology, case of kaptoyoy, sub county, kween district.
    (Busitema University, 2025) Cheprot, Amos
    Aqua Agro ecology is an innovation that combines aquatic farming with terrestrial agriculture, promoting sustainable and resource efficiency. Integrated Aquaculture Agriculture (IAA), have been promoted as a solution to reduce water pollution, enhance biodiversity, and optimize nutrient cycling . productivity Farmers in Kween district were unaware of the environmental and economic benefits of choosing to rear specific livestock together with fish farming and cultivation of food and cash crops in their land, and livestock together with fish farming in their land. This study can help the local communities of Kween district to adopt aqua Agro ecology to overcome challenges of poverty, malnutrition for both present and future generation. The general Objective of study was to assess the environmental and socio-economic effects of aqua agroecology on farmers of Kween district. The specific objectives wereas to assess the environmental contribution of integrating crops and livestock with fish farming on the same piece of identify solutions to the challenges faced by farmers in adopting aqua Agro ecological practices, and to measure the income contribution of current aqua Agro ecological practices to the standards of living of local farmers in Kaptoyoy Sub County, Kween District. Data was analysed using the Histograms and pie charts to compare the environmental contribution of integrating crops and livestock with fish farming on the sam piece of land, to compare solutions to the challenges faced by farmers in adopting aqua agro ecological practices among adopters of aqua agro ecology and non adopters of aqua agro ecology and to compare the contribution of current aqua agro ecological practices to the standard of living of local farmers among the adopters of aqua agro ecology and non adopters of aqua agro ecology. It was found that the farmers who adopted this integrated approach tended to diversify their crop choices, favouring crops like Irish potatoes They also integrated livestock effectively, particularly goats. Challenges among adopters of aqua Agro ecology and non adopters of aqua agro ecology were market access and limited capital. Costly fish feed, while non-adopters struggled more with water scarcity, to address these challenges, adopters prioritized constructing reservoirs. Adopters reportedimprovements in their living conditions, not only through income but also via food security and risk reduction. .
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    Assessing the Effectiveness of Gear Gestriction on Nile Tilapia Fishery at Kazinga Channel, Rubirizi District
    (Busitema University, 2025) Arinaitwe,Erisa
    This study assessed the effectiveness of gear restrictions in sustaining Nile Tilapia populations in Kazinga Channel Katunguru Sub-County, Rubirizi District. Its aimed to evaluate fishers’ compliance with gear restriction policies, their perceptions of the regulations, the impact of these restrictions on fish catch and stock abundance, and the socio-economic consequences for local communities. Data collection involved field surveys, fisher interviews, and participatory focus group discussions. Emphasis was placed on examining the changes in fish stock size structure and abundance following the implementation of mesh size controls, as well as investigating the compliance levels and enforcement challenges faced by regulatory authorities. The findings revealed that enforcement of minimum mesh size restrictions led to a reduction in the capture of juvenile Nile tilapia, allowing fish to mature and spawn at least once before harvest. This possibly contributed to improved recruitment rates and a positive shift in the size structure of the fish population, consistent with observations in other freshwater fisheries across East Africa. The catch composition shifted towards larger, more marketable fish, which indicated a move towards ecological sustainability and a potential increase in long-term fishery yields. However, the study also documented short-term economic hardships experienced by fishers as a result of reduced catches of smaller fish, which historically contributed to household food security and income. These immediate livelihood impacts generated resistance to gear restrictions among some fishers, highlighting the social challenges inherent in fisheries management. Enforcement of gear restrictions was found to be hampered by several factors including weak institutional capacity, limited resources for monitoring and surveillance, and widespread use of illegal fishing gears such as undersized monofilament nets. Beach Management Units (BMUs), intended to facilitate community-led resource governance, exhibited varying degrees of effectiveness, often impaired by a lack of legal support and inadequate community participation. The study underscored that enforcement alone was insufficient without concomitant efforts to address poverty and improve fisher livelihoods.
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    An assessment of the impacts of sand mining and increased silting levels on the fish species composition and abundance along the river nile, namasagali catchment area, Kamuli District
    (Busitema University, 2025) Businge, Anatori
    Sand mining is a widespread practice in Uganda, posing significant environmental challenges to freshwater ecosystems, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and a loss of biodiversity. The Namasagali catchment area, a sub-basin of the Victoria Nile River, is one of the affected regions, with sand mining activities threatening the livelihoods of local communities dependent on fishing. This study investigated the impacts of sand mining on fish species composition,abundance, and catch rates within this area. Specific objectives included: (1) to determine the changes in riverbed substrate composition due to sand mining; (2) to assess the impacts of sand mining on fish species composition and abundance; and (3) to evaluate the effects of sand miningon fish catches and catch rates from the perspective of local fishers. A retrospective experimental approach with control sites was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Riverbed grab samples were visually analyzed, and fish populati ons were assessed using standard gill nets and longlines. Demographic and catch-rate data were collected through a questionnaire administered to local fishers. The results showed that sand mining has fundamentally altered the physical composition of the riverbed, creating a new, coarse-grained substrate of sand and gravel with a notable absence of shells, in contrast to the natural fine and silty offshore sediments. Fish species diversity across the sites was composed of six species, with the Lake Victoria squeaker (Synodontis victoriae) being the most dominant. A one-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant inter-site variability in fish catches (F (3,10) =7.92, p<0.05), with the active mining site, Kalama, exhibiting the highest total catch. This counterintuitive finding is attributed to the temporary exposure of food particles caused by the mining process, which acts as a localized fish attractant. However, a paired -samples t-test on fisher-reported data indicated a highly significant decline in average dai ly catches from a historical average of 19.0 to a current average of 9.7 individuals (t (29) x =9.00, p<0.0001). While sand mining can create temporary, localized feeding grounds for fish, its broader impact is a significant alteration of the riverbed ecosystem and a substantial adverse effect on the overall catch rates and livelihoods of the fishing community. The findings underscore the need for effective management strategies to mitigate these impacts.
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    Assessment of fish handling practices in iganga fish market and their perceived impacts on fresh fish quality
    (Busitema University, 2025) Mukisa, Araphat
    This study assessed fish handling practices and their impacts on fish quality in Iganga fish market, Uganda, with the general objective of evaluating past practices and their effects on fish quality and safety. Specific objectives included identifying fish handling practices employed, evaluating their impact on fish quality and freshness with a focus on spoilage rates and hygiene risks, and assessing vendors' knowledge and awareness of proper handling, storage, and hygiene practices. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected through questionnaires and observations using 100 fish vendors in Iganga fish market. Fish preservation primarily involved salting (46%) or insulated containers with ice (37%). Storage of fresh fish was predominantly under ice (48%) or refrigeration (26%). 84% display fish on tables. 72% practice fish scaling before sales; use of clean tap water (52%) is commonly used. However, 80% reported frequent spoilage, primarily attributed to high temperatures (36%) and inadequate facilities (31%), with bad odor (64%) as the dominant spoilage indicator. Hygiene practices focused on facility cleaning (75%), but only 69% of vendors had received training, mostly from government agencies (56%). Key challenges included limited refrigeration (36%) and lack of training (32%). Respondents (52%) suggested improved hygiene to enhance fish quality, with 89% expressing willingness to participate in training programs. The study recommended targeted training, improved infrastructure, and stricter hygiene regulations to reduce spoilage and ensure consumer safety.
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    Assessing the implications of fishing techniques on the fish population on lake Victoria in Jinja city, Uganda
    (Busitema University, 2025) Obote Amos
    This study examined the implications of fishing techniques on sustainable fisheries in Lake Victoria, Jinja City, Uganda, to provide relevant stakeholders with information to promote sustainable fishing practice on Lake Victoria. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design with quantitative method of data collected.The study was conducted among 79 fishers selected using systematic random sampling technique and quantitative data was collected from them using pretested interviewer- administered questionnaire developed on kobo-collect toolbox. The collected data was downloaded into excel format and imported to Stata 15 for analyses. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviations, and percentages were used to describe the study findings. Findings showed that the primary factors influencing fishing methods were regulatory guidelines (45.6%) and existing fishing practices (30.4%). Awareness of illegal fishing was high (86.1%), with gill nets (59.5%) and longlines (29.1%) cited as having the most negative impact on fish stocks when misused, and the Nile Tilapia (59.5%) identified as the most affected species. Awareness of sustainable fishing practices was also notable (64.6%), with selective fishing gear (56.9%) and catch limits (29.4%) being the most recognized strategies, and 55.7% of participants reporting active use of such methods, mainly selective gear and size limits. These results highlight the critical role of regulations, fishing practices, and knowledge in shaping sustainable fisheries management on Lake Victoria.
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    Assessment of Fish Consumption Pattern in Laguti Sub County Pader District
    (Busitema University, 2025) Adong, Alice
    Fish is a vital source of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, yet its consumption remains low in many rural Ugandan communities, including Laguti Subcounty in Pader District. This study assessed fish consumption patterns and examined the socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors influencing dietary choices among households. Despite proximity to water bodies such as River Aswa, fish remains underutilized in local diets in Laguti Sub County, raising concerns about nutrition and food security. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 80 respondents through structured questionnaires and interviews with household heads, fish vendors, and local leaders. The findings revealed that weekly fish consumption was most common (37.5%), followed by monthly (25%) and rare consumption (18.8%). Only 12.5% of households consumed fish daily, while 6.2% never consumed it. Income level, fish price, market access, and education were significant determinants of consumption. Medium-income households showed higher consumption rates, while affordability challenges limited access for low-income earners. Cultural perception also influenced consumption patterns. While 62.5% of respondents reported no cultural restrictions, 25% acknowledged taboos or perceptions that discouraged fish consumption. Species such as catfish and silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea) were sometimes avoided due to associations with poverty or perceived uncleanliness. However, 87.5% of respondents viewed fish as a healthy food choice, citing benefits such as improved brain function and boosted immunity. Barriers to fish access and consumption included high cost (50%), limited availability (25%), poor transport infrastructure (12.5%), and lack of storage facilities (6.2%). Although Laguti Sub County is geographically close to water bodies, infrastructural challenges and seasonal supply fluctuations constrained access. The absence of cold storage and poor road networks further limited distribution and preservation. Encouragingly, 81.3% of respondents believed that government or community programs could improve fish availability. Suggested interventions included subsidizing fish prices, establishing more local fish markets, improving transport infrastructure, and promoting nutrition education. The study concluded that enhancing market access, supporting local aquaculture, and addressing socio-cultural perceptions could significantly increase fish consumption and improve household nutrition and food security in Laguti Sub County.
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    Assessment of the socio-economic effects of illegal fishing on fishing communities surrounding kagwara landing site, lake kyoga, serere district
    (Busitema University, 2025) Akello Eunice
    The study was conducted at Kagwara fish landing site in Serere district. The objectives of the study were to assess the impacts of illegal fishing on the fishing communities surrounding Kagwara landing site, Lake Kyoga in Serere district. The specific objectives were to evaluate the status offishing activities at Kagwara landing site, Lake Kyoga, the social-economic effects of illegal fishing activities on the fishing communities surrounding Kagwara landing site, and to suggest strategies of making fishing at Kagwara landing site, more sustainable. The study used a descriptive research design that allowed to answer the question “why” and quantitative approach. The sample population was 65 people comprising fishermen, boat owners, fish buyers and sellers at Kagwara landing site. The data was collected using questionnaires, observation and review of documents specific to fishing in Serere district. These included journals,websites, district reports and books. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel and imported into statistical Programme for Social Scientists version 16 to analyze descriptive and inferentialstatistics such as pearson chi-square test at 95% confidence interval. The study found out that there were more men than women involved in the fishing activities and practices. The men involved in fishing were mostly married adults who had attained primary level education. The study found out that illegal fishing was done at Kagwara landing site through the use of authorized fishing gears used to target different fish types. The undersized gillnets and the illegal gears were used in restricted zones of the lake to target specific fish species. Nile perch was the most affected fish species followed by Nile tilapia and silver fish (mukene). These fish types were targeted due to high prices paid for them by buyers within and outside Serere district. The major cause of illegal fishing was poverty, lack of alternative sources of income and livelihood, inadequate government support to buy appropriate fishing equipment and gears, corruption and enforcements. Most of the community have been sensitized on illegal fishing and its impacts to the environment. The most affected are the households (local community) surrounding the landing site leading to food insecurity, loss of lives, reduced standards of living. The most recommended strategy is to: empower women to participate in the fishing activities; provide training to the fishing communities to improve their capacity; get alternative sources of livelihood in decision making so as to come up with proper decisions in sustainable fisheries management; provide more government support to fishing communities to enable them obtain improved fishing gears, access engines; sensitize stakeholders on sustainable fishing practices; intensify enforcements to curb illegal fishing practices at community levels and even other surrounding areas
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    The effect of sun-drying on raw eggs into egg powder to increase on transportation, storage and handling in times of glut among rural farmers
    (Busitema University, 2024) Adirubo, John; Ajambo, Linda Bridget
    The purpose of this research was to find out farmers knowledge, attitudes and perception on the use of bio pesticides in controlling field pests of kales (brassica oleraceae) in Mundindi parish Busime sub county in Busia district. The study employed a qualitative research design, and the methods of data collection were interview, questionnaires, observation and recording. The data analysis tool was Microsoft word Excel 2019 to generate statistical tables and figures. The study was carried out in Mundindi parish Busime sub county in Busia district in Uganda and a total of 50 respondents were selected from the rural areas in Mundindi parish. The results of the study indicated that kales farmers in Mundindi parishexperience a problem of field pests with varying status of harm to the kales crops and yet they have limited knowledge on the use of bio pesticide in the management of field pests of kales . it also indicated that most kales farmers in the area have negative attitudes on the use of bio pesticides as far as effictivenss is concerned. It also indicated that most farmers have misconceptions on formulations, use and effectiveness of bio pesticides. The researcher ephasised more government intervention in improving awareness of bio pesticide use, changing farmers attitudes and perception for good