Factors affecting the adoption of cage fish farming in Kalangala town council, Kalangala district.

Abstract

The adoption of cage fish farming in Kalangala Town Council, Kalangala District, presents a significant opportunity to enhance local livelihoods, combat food insecurity, and contribute to economic development. Despite favorable ecological conditions and government initiatives to promote this aquaculture practice, adoption rates remain low. This study sought to identify the key factors influencing the decision to adopt cage fish farming in Kalangala Town Council. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, gathering data from 80 respondents through structured questionnaires, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. The results indicated that economic factors, notably high initial investment costs (p = 0.045) and average monthly income (p = 0.001), were pivotal in shaping adoption decisions. Social factors, such as community acceptance and access to training and support programs, while important, were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Environmental factors, particularly access to clean water and suitable feeds, were marginally significant (p = 0.060) in influencing adoption. Key challenges identified included access to markets and quality inputs (36.3%) and financial constraints due to high investment costs (35%). Despite these obstacles, opportunities such as increased income and employment (57.5%) and the growing demand for fish with export potential (26.3%) were noted.