Characteristics of fish farming practices and agrochemicals usage therein in four regions of Cameroon

Abstract

Cameroon plans to reduce massive fish imports by developing aquaculture which appears to be a great solution to the massive demand for animal protein. Therefore there is a need to assess fish farming practices and agrochemicals usage. A cross-sectional survey employing questionnaires was used to collect information from 107 farmers in the centre, south, littoral, west regions of Cameroon between April and September 2016. The results of the study showed that fish farmers were mainly men (93%) with 49.5% as small scale farmers, 83.3% practiced earthen fish pond, and about 30% practice integrated fish farming with poultry (18.6%) piggery (16.7%) and crop farming (10.7%). Feeding practices are characterized by the use of locally formulated powdered feeds (31.7%), animal manure, chicken droppings (20.5%) and pig dung (18.7%). Concerning fish health management, few farmers (24.3%) refer to a veterinarian for prescription and 51% used agrochemical products like liming materials, fertilizers and veterinary drugs. Tetracyclines are the most used for curative purposes. Good fish farm management practices, successful fish health management, and periodical monitoring will contribute to produce safer fish products. Results from this study should encourage an effective monitoring of chemicals contaminants in fish farming in Cameroon. Keywords: Fish farming practices, Agrochemicals, Good practices, Cameroon