Fisheries has been one of the major socio-economic activities in a number of the traditional rural communities of Tanzania. The fisheries sector is the country's major producer of animal protein; the country's fish and fisheries products provide about 40 % of animal protein supply (Laureti, 1991). Average annual per caput fish consumption is estimated at 38 kg.
Total fish landings have increased steadily during the 1980s and reached 380,000 mt in 1990, among which 86 % is from inland waters (FAO Fishery Statistics: catches and landings, 1991). A realistic estimate of annual sustainable yield for all waters, including marine, is 400,000–500,000 mt. Aquaculture production was estimated at 375 mt in 1990 (Aquaculture production, 1992). It is estimated that 2,000 tonnes could be produced from existing ponds and 9,000 to 16,000 tonnes from expanding aquaculture (Bonzon, 1988).
Although production from rural aquaculture offers only moderate potential for increased fish production at the national level, it could provide vital animal protein to the population residing in the hinterland. In some regions where protein intake per capita is low and where protein malnutrition prevails, the marginal socio-economic benefit from rural aquaculture could be high.
The National Seminar on Fisheries Policy and Planning, held May 1988 in Dar-es-Salaam, set out strategies and action programmes for the five-year fisheries development plan (1988–1992). The seminar reviewed constraints to medium/short term expansion of nation wide aquaculture development and recognized development potential in low technology fish farming such as pond culture of Tilapia species. In view of the limited resources available at the Department of Fisheries and the costs involved in extension services, it was concluded that aquaculture development should concentrate on improving existing pond management practices in those areas where geophysical conditions are suitable for fish farming and where other sources of animal protein are scarce and fish supplies insufficient.
The state of aquaculture, however, is little known. The estimated number of fish ponds range from 5 000 to 10 000. Average size of ponds, standard fish farming practices and productivity, are unknown. Moreover, economic performance, fish farmers' household economies and social aspects, particularly gender related issues in fish farming, have not been investigated either.
In view of the above, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism, planned to conduct a pilot socio-economic survey of aquaculture in Ruvuma region with the support of FAO projects, GCP/INT/436/SWE “Aquaculture for Local Community Development Programme” (ALCOM) and GCP/RAF/273/JPN “Enhancement of the role of women in inland fisheries and aquaculture”.
A preparatory mission was conducted in June 1992. Ruvuma Region was selected for implementing the pilot survey in view of: the high potential for fish farming; substantial number of active ponds; reliable records of active fish ponds/fish farming units which could provide a frame to design survey; demonstrated interest by the Regional Natural Resources Officer and Regional Fisheries Officers; availability of qualified and dedicated field staff; and feasibility of logistical arrangements. The survey was organized in consultation with the Regional Natural Resources Office and the Regional Fisheries Officer.
The survey was conducted in the four districts of Ruvuma region: Songea urban, Songea rural, Tunduru and Mbinga. Agro-ecological characteristics and an overview of the Ruvuma region are summarized in Annex V.
The overall objectives of the survey were to:
describe the status of fish farming in terms of physical conditions of fish ponds, technical aspects of pond management practices, production, social characteristics of fish farming households and communities and economic performance of fish farming units. Gender issues should be taken into consideration as an integral part of all these aspects;
identify constraints and the potential for increasing rural aquaculture production and recommend possible improvements/developments; and
provide reliable basic information essential for aquaculture sector planning in order to develop cost-effective aquaculture extension activities, and monitor and assess development of the fish farming sub-sector.
