In the field document “Field testing of aquaculture in rural development: pilot project in Eastern Province of Zambia” (FI:GCP/INT/436/SWE.6), a model on the adoption of innovations was proposed. The model explains the adoption of fish farming by an individual within a socio-economic setting. It does, however, not explain how this setting and the individual's characteristics can influence the process.
Different reactions were shown on the introduction of fish farming in two areas, Rukuzye and Magwero in Eastern Province of Zambia. A study was carried out to identify the relative importance of the socio-economic environment and the individual's characteristics in the adoption process.
The study had two goals :
what factors account for the difference in the uptake of fish farming between Rukuzye and Magwero Area;
what are the main elements differentiating adopters of fish farming from those not interested in this activity.
The study results should be viewed in the light of a lack of fishing tradition as well as a limited physical potential for fish farming in Eastern Province.
