Economic feasibility of fish cage culture in Lake Victoria, Kenya

Abstract Fish cage culture has rapidly grown throughout Lake Victoria's shores, with Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) being the primarily cultured species. However, there is inadequate information on its economic viability. The study investigated feasibility of fish farming system in Victoria, Kenya, by evaluating relationship between cost inputs and revenue from sales analysing overall profitability lake. Systematic sampling was employed to select 200 farmers for study. Structured questionnaire used data collection. Data analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, gross margin net farm income ratios. average quantity produced production cycle 11,971.53 kg which an 9020.77 sold at selling price Kenyan Shillings (KSH) 281.36 (USD 2.60) per kg. results revealed that feeds (coefficient −0.603) seed −0.387) had a significant influence returns business p < 0.01 0.05, respectively. costs were components total cost, accounting 60.25% 33.50%, profitable, KSH 1146,727.68 10,545.59) 1020,518.78 9384.94) cycle, benefit ratio 1.43, expense structure 0.06, 0.70 return investment 0.43. recommends formulation friendly policies, legislations, operating guidelines enabling environment feed producers policy makers enhance subsequently reduce prices seed. Through this, viability will be enhanced.