Aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility among cage fish farmers in Mwanza, Tanzania

Upendo Charles Nzaligo; Ronald Benard Tarimo; Wulystan Pius Mtega

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.2.3.32

Authors

Upendo Charles Nzaligo Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2521-0855
Dr. Ronald Benard Tarimo Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6398-7541
Prof. Wulystan Pius Mtega Sokoine University of Agriculture Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-1878

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.3.32

Keywords:

Aquaculture, Cage Fish Farming, Knowledge Accessibility, Mwanza Region

Abstract

Aquaculture becomes increasingly important in increasing fish production, food security, and employment opportunities, a limited understanding of aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility among cage fish farmers hinders the productivity and sustainability of cage fish farming in Mwanza, Tanzania. This study assessed aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility among cage fish farmers in Mwanza, Tanzania. This study was conducted in three districts: Nyamagana, Ilemela, and Magu. This research was guided by Mtega's Information Need, Access, and Use model. A cross-sectional research design was conducted involving 130 cage fish farmers and six key informants. Qualitative data were collected by using semi-structured interviews, and quantitative data were collected by using a structured questionnaire, respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.The results reveal that cage fish farmers need aquaculture knowledge in fish feed and feeding, fish breeding, disease prevention and treatment, weather conditions, and market situations. However, accessibility to this category of aquaculture knowledge is limited. Moreover, findings indicate that demographic factors such as education level, farming experience, cage size, and family income significantly influence both aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility at P < 0.05. These results underscore the need to improve aquaculture knowledge needs assessment and improve its accessibility to improve the productivity of cage fish farming. The study recommends that governments and development partners, in collaboration with fishery extension officers, create schemes that link aquaculture knowledge needs and their accessibility to cage fish farmers to improve productivity and sustainability of cage fish farming.

Author Biographies

Upendo Charles Nzaligo, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Upendo Charles Nzaligo is a postgraduate student specializing in information and knowledge management at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Her research focuses on knowledge management, access, and utilization in aquaculture systems, with particular emphasis on cage fish farming in Lake Victoria. Her academic interests also extend to agricultural extension services and sustainable farming practices. Through her work, she aims to contribute to the development of improved aquaculture policies and practices that enhance productivity and community welfare.
Dr. Ronald Benard Tarimo, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Ronald Benard Tarimo is a lecturer and researcher at Sokoine University of Agriculture.He holds advanced expertise in aquaculture production systems, fisheries management, knowledge management, and information behaviour in enhancing agriculture research and education. His scholarly work includes supervising postgraduate research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and consulting on projects aimed at strengthening knowledge value chains in East Africa. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, Tarimo has contributed to policy development and training programs for fish farmers across Tanzania. His research interests include aquaculture technologies, knowledge transfer, and strategies for enhancing smallholder productivity and improving their livelihoods.
Prof. Wulystan Pius Mtega, Sokoine University of Agriculture

Wulystan Pius Mtega is an associate professor at Sokoine University of Agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in information science, a master’s in information science, and a bachelor's in agricultural economics and agribusiness. His expertise lies in information access, dissemination, and the role of knowledge in enhancing agricultural and aquaculture productivity. He has published extensively on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural development, farmer knowledge systems, and digital platforms for agricultural extension. Prof. Mtega has supervised numerous postgraduate students and participated in regional and international research collaborations. His work emphasizes the importance of knowledge accessibility in improving livelihoods, aligning with Tanzania’s development goals. He continues to engage in multidisciplinary studies linking information science with agriculture, aquaculture, and rural development.

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