Cage aquaculture production in Zambia: Assessment of opportunities and challenges on Lake Kariba, Siavonga district

Abstract

Cage aquaculture is among the recent innovations that have attracted great attention in fish production in most African countries. In Zambia, cage aquaculture has recorded significant growth to even emerge as the largest contributor to the total national aquaculture production annually. Our study was aimed at assessing cage aquaculture production in Siavonga district of Zambia. We targeted the aquaculture and feed manufacturing companies, their production, challenges, and opportunities. This study revealed that there were five main aquaculture production companies with fish cages ranging from 96 m3 to 135,534 m3 in size. Oreochromis niloticus was found to be the only cultured species. Lack of quality fish seed and feed were the major challenges faced by the aquaculture production companies in Siavonga district. The study further revealed that there were two major aquafeed manufacturing companies within the district with a production capacity ranging from 50 tons to 200 tons per day. Lack of readily available raw material for feed making was the major challenge facing the aquafeed manufacturing companies. There are huge potentials for cage aquaculture in Siavonga district, which can significantly contribute to the nation's aquaculture production. These include the availability of large fish feed manufacturing companies and huge water resources. Keywords: Cage, Aquaculture, Technology, Production, Capacity, Zambia