2. AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN LESOTHO

Domestic fish production is currently very low in Lesotho. Fourteen projects have aimed at the development of aquaculture since it was formally introduced in 1968 (Chondoma, 1988). Though they have met with some success, the aquaculture sector still contributes very little to national food fish supplies.

About 95% of the total production from aquaculture is common carp. African catfish accounts for the other 5%.

From the present 26ha of fish ponds in Lesotho (Chondoma, 1988) only an average of 13ha were operating from 1979 to 1985 with an annual mean production of about 15 tonnes (Table 2.1.). Fisheries Section annual reports are not available from 1987 to 1990, but broad estimates show that the annual production drops to 10 tonnes with a productivity of about 0.5 tonnes/ha for this period (Fisheries Extension Officers, pers. com.).

Aquaculture production has been declining since 1987, and there is a visible deterioration in rural fish pond facilities throughout the Lowlands. There are several explanations for this state of affairs: a decline in extension services because vacant posts within the Fisheries Section have not been filled; a diversity of activities, particularly duck and rabbit farming; lack of aquaculture training; and decreasing financial support from the Government. The drought of 1992 further aggravated the situation. This resulted in a new low aquaculture production of just 2 tonnes in 1993 (Mofolo, 1993a).

Table 2.1 : Aquaculture production in Lesotho, 1979–1993.