In Ethiopia’s Mecha District, fish farming is underdeveloped, with farmers having limited knowledge and experience in aquaculture. The primary constraint identified in the Koga Irrigation Scheme area is the lack of access to quality fish seed. However, the scheme offers significant potential for fish production, with 20 small reservoirs and one main dam reservoir. A study conducted in HealthyFoodAfrica aimed to assess farmers’ experiences, identify gaps in knowledge, and explore opportunities for sustainable fish culture using Hapa technology.
Key Findings
As part of HealthyFoodAfrica, a comprehensive training program was provided to 27 fish farmers (20 males and 7 females) in the Koga Irrigation Scheme on Hapa-based tilapia seed production and grow-out culture. The training covered a wide range of topics, including reproduction, feeding, stocking, and the sorting of male from female tilapia.
Additionally, the advantages and limitations of Hapa nets were discussed. Hapa nets were installed in the night reservoirs, and brood fish, consisting of 40 females and 20 males, were stocked at a ratio of 1 male to 2 females. This setup successfully produced approximately 12,000 tilapia fingerlings. A significant portion of these fingerlings, about 10,000, was supplied to a farmer who owned a quarry pond for grow-out culture. These fish grew well and reached an average weight of over 230 grams.
In a further trial, some of the mono-sex male tilapia fingerlings were selected and transferred to the main dam reservoir for continued growth. Over a period of about six weeks, from the end of February to the beginning of April 2022, the fish showed strong performance, achieving a mean length of 16.85 cm, a weight of 81.71 grams, and a growth rate of 3.98 g/day. The condition factor (K) was greater than 1, indicating good fish health and desirable fish culture conditions in the reservoir. The water quality inside the Hapa nets remained within safe and optimum limits for fish growth, ensuring proper environmental conditions for the tilapia.
Benefits and Impact
- Sustainable Fish Production: Hapa technology enabled the production of quality fish seed, offering a scalable solution for large-scale tilapia farming.
- Economic Opportunities: The success of tilapia farming promotes the economic potential of fish production for household consumption and income generation.
- Youth Involvement: Encouraging youth participation in fish culture can drive sustainable practices and long-term success in aquaculture in the region.
- Improved Diet: The focus on Nile tilapia provides a nutritious food source, addressing dietary needs within the local community.
Practical Recommendations
- Promote Hapa Technology: Expand the use of Hapa nets for tilapia seed production and grow-out culture across the region to improve fish farming practices.
- Increase Farmer Education: Continue training programs for farmers on modern fish culture techniques, focusing on sustainable practices, fish management, and market access.
- Support Youth Engagement: Establish youth-focused programs to encourage their involvement in fish farming, fostering innovation and sustainability in the aquaculture sector.
- Improve Seed Accessibility: Ensure that quality fish seed is made widely available to farmers to support consistent production and the growth of the aquaculture industry.
Contact information
Gashaw Tilahun, Melkamu Alemayehu, Enyew Adgo, Netsanet Fentahun and Aregu Amsalu Aserse
Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia