Technologies

Backyard fish farming in tarpaulin ponds for improved livelihood [Uganda]

Okutunga Ebyenyanja omu ntundubale

technologies_3391 - Uganda

Completeness: 92%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

land user:

David Mawanda

Uganda, Bushenyi, Kagoma

Uganda

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Scaling-up SLM practices by smallholder farmers (IFAD)
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) - Uganda

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

23/01/2018

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

A fish pond for intensive commercial fish farming is constructed in the backyard of the farmer's home for easy management. The pond is lined with a tarpaulin interior and is connected to a water source for water supply during the seasons of water scarcitiy.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The backyard fish pond farming system is a simple commercial fish farming system established close to the farmers’ home stead. It is planned to ease management of rearing the fish and to minimize maintenance costs. The system is also designed to harvest rain water and overflow which eases filling and emptying of the pond with water. The walls of the ponds are lined with tarpaulin and the banks are strengthened with timber or brick work to prevent breaking of the walls. The three ponds in Bushenyi-Kigoma are located on a gentle slope and designed with a trench that feeds them with rain water from the rain harvest reservoir up slope. They were constructed in 2013 and are located a meter away from a live fence enclosing the farmer’s house. This makes it easy for the farmer to access, monitor and manage the fish ponds.

The establishment process for each pond is simple and may not require technical skills to set up the system. The activities involved include:

i.Excavation of the pond, which is best done during the dry season to avoid interruption by runoff.
ii.Strengthening of banks using timber and nails (some farmers use brinks, cement and sand)
iii.Lining of the water proof tarpaulin on the interior of the pond.
iv.Construction of a water channel from the water reservoir to the pond and fixing of overflow pipes at the deeper end of the ponds.
v.Filling the pond with water and applying animal dug to fertilize the ponds. This creates a favorable environment for growth of microorganisms and algae on which fish can feed.
vi.The fish fingerlings are introduced into the pond two weeks after fertilization with animal dug.

The maintenance activities include; cleaning of ponds from contamination of objects, changing of the pond water on a monthly basis to avoid contamination that may lead to infestation and application of organic fertilizers.

Establishment requires a hoe, panga, dibber, spade, wheel barrow, hammer and the trowel. The inputs include; timber, tarpaulin, cement, garters bricks, sand, nails, plastic pipe, water, animal dung, fish pellets and fish fingerlings. These where used to construct a pond 5 m × 4 m × 3 m i.e length × width × depth respectively, with a maximum carrying capacity of 500 cat fish.
The costs of setting up the system are relatively affordable to the average local people according to the farmer. The key determinants are hiring labor to excavate the ponds, construction of a water channel and stocking fish fingerlings which are all locally available. The maintenance activities involve daily feeding of fish, cleaning in case of contamination, changing the pond water every 3 months and harvesting of fish at 7 months of age. The farmer spends USD $ 164.65 on establishment of the pond system including, exaction costs, equipment, materials and stocking fingerlings (USD $ 0.033 each). The farmer spends USD$ 21.99 on premixed feeds before harvesting the fish after seven months. The cat fish are harvested with 3-5 kg liveweight after 7 months and sold at USD$ 2.75 to wholesale buyers from Kasese District.

The intensive fish farming system is designed to demand minimal labor for feeding the fish, cleaning the pond, replacing water and harvesting fish. The system is also adapted to water scarcity in the dry season since it is connected to a rain water harvest system; regular changing of pond water improves visibility, removes algae, replenishes oxygen and minimizes possible infections in the pond.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

Comments, short description:

The Video shows the set up of the ponds but does not include the farmer's house because of the live fence separating the ponds from the house.

Date:

24/01/2018

Name of videographer:

Amon Aine

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Uganda

Region/ State/ Province:

Western Uganda, Bushenyi District

Further specification of location:

Nyabubare Sub county, Kigoma town

Comments:

The farm is 6Km from Ishaka Bushenyi along Bushenyi-Rubirizi highway.

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2016

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through land users' innovation
  • through projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):

Intensive back yard fish farming.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • reduce risk of disasters
  • adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
  • create beneficial economic impact
  • Beauty

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Cropland

Cropland

  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
Main crops (cash and food crops):

Bananas, yams and shrub fence

3.3 Further information about land use

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • mixed rainfed-irrigated
Comments:

The farmer harvests roof top water and channels it into the ponds during times of water scarcity

Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Specify:

March - May & Sept - Nov

Livestock density (if relevant):

500 fish per 5m×4m×3m in length, width and depth respectively

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • beekeeping, aquaculture, poultry, rabbit farming, silkworm farming, etc.
  • home gardens

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

structural measures

  • S5: Dams, pans, ponds

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

physical soil deterioration

physical soil deterioration

  • Pu: loss of bio-productive function due to other activities
other

other

Comments:

The intensive method utilizes small space for high quantity fish production and therefore reduces the conversion of large pieces of land to fish farming

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • reduce land degradation
Comments:

The design promotes intensive methods to utilize small space for high quantity fish production and therefore reduces the conversion of large pieces of land to fish farming.

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Author:

Prosy Kaheru

Date:

09/01/2018

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

The water ponds are constructed with 5m × 4m × 3 m i.e length × width × depth. The ponds are on a gentle slope a meter away from a live fence. The ponds are lined with a water proof tarpaulin. The banks are strengthened with wood fixed together with nails.

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
  • per Technology unit
Specify unit:

Pond

Specify volume, length, etc. (if relevant):

5m × 4m × 3 m i.e length × width × depth respectively

other/ national currency (specify):

Ugandan shilling

Indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (if relevant): 1 USD =:

3650.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

10,000

4.4 Establishment activities

Activity Type of measure Timing
1. Excavation Structural In the dry season
2. Fixing of tarpaulin and timber on the banks Structural After excavation
3. Filling pond with water and fertilizing with animal dug Management After fixing walls
4. Stocking the pond Other measures 2 days after filling pond with water and fertilization
5. Connecting a water channel from the water reservoir with a pvc pipe at end the end leading to the pond Structural After excavation.

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Construction labour man day 5.0 50000.0 250000.0 100.0
Equipment Hoe hire per day 500.0 5.0 2500.0 100.0
Equipment Panga hire per day 500.0 5.0 2500.0 100.0
Equipment Spade hire per day 500.0 5.0 2500.0 100.0
Equipment Hammer hire per day 500.0 5.0 2500.0 100.0
Equipment Wheel barrow hire per day 500.0 5.0 2500.0 100.0
Equipment Metallic tray per day 500.0 5.0 2500.0 100.0
Plant material Fish fingerlings pieces 500.0 500.0 250000.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Animal Dung kg 50.0 120.0 6000.0 100.0
Construction material Tarpaulin pieces 1.0 45000.0 45000.0 100.0
Construction material Timber pieces 8.0 3000.0 24000.0 100.0
Construction material Nails Kg 0.5 8000.0 4000.0 100.0
Construction material Hose Pipe Pieces 2.0 5000.0 10000.0 100.0
Other Water Liters 500.0 10.0 5000.0 100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 609000.0

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Type of measure Timing/ frequency
1. Feeding Management Once daily
2. Cleaning Management Once a week
3. Changing the water Management Every three months
4. Harvesting Management Every 7months

4.7 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Cleaning man day 1.0 5000.0 5000.0 100.0
Labour Feeding man day 1.0 600000.0 600000.0 100.0
Labour Replacement of water man day 1.0 100000.0 100000.0 100.0
Labour Harvesting manday 2.0 5000.0 10000.0 100.0
Equipment Slasher piece 2.0 8000.0 16000.0 100.0
Equipment Hoe piece 2.0 15000.0 30000.0 100.0
Equipment Bucket piece 2.0 6000.0 12000.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Cow dug tones 1.0 250000.0 250000.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 1023000.0

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Excavation of ponds and stocking of fish fingerlings. Excavation is done once at the start of the project. The labour required for operation and maintenance is minimal compared to conventional fish farming methods.

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

The rain seasons are two i.e March-May, Sept-ov

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • not relevant

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

poor drinking water (treatment required)

Is water salinity a problem?

Yes

Specify:

Cat fish doesn't thrive well in saline waters, the longer the water stays in the pond the more salts it accumulates due to waste from fish and feeds being used hence need for replacement every three months.

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • high
Habitat diversity:
  • medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:
  • Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
  • commercial/ market
Off-farm income:
  • 10-50% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • rich
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
Gender:
  • men
Age of land users:
  • middle-aged
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

The project belongs to a household of 5 children and parents in their 45-50 years

5.7 Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • medium-scale

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • state
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • communal (organized)
  • individual

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Water from pond used for irrigation

Income and costs

expenses on agricultural inputs

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Less labour cots for the operation & maintenance

farm income

decreased
increased

diversity of income sources

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Farmer has many other projects (piggery, bananas, yams)

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Water collected in ponds

surface runoff

increased
decreased
Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved

soil loss

increased
decreased
Climate and disaster risk reduction

flood impacts

increased
decreased

drought impacts

increased
decreased

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Harvesting of water for fish farming reduces the runoff and hence a reduction in the water volumes flowing down hill

damage on neighbours' fields

increased
reduced

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
drought very well
Comments:

During the dry season, the water harvested from the roof top is used to replenish the water in the ponds

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

positive

Long-term returns:

positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

positive

Long-term returns:

very positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 10-50%
Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many have did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 50-90%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

Yes

If yes, indicate to which changing conditions it was adapted:
  • labour availability (e.g. due to migration)
Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

The system is designed to harvest water on roof tops and deliver it in the fishponds, Some of the harvested water is reserved for replenishing of water in the ponds during times of scarcity

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Easy management since most of the tedious work is at establishment
Easy to harvest the fish since many fish are keep in a small pond/tarpaulin
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
There is rady market for the fish
Rain Water harvesting reduces impacts of climate change on the fish production especially in the dry season/times of scarcity
Source of proteins for the public that buy the fish for sauce

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
At times of extreme dry season, the farmer may face challenges of water scarcity Establishment of big enough water reservoirs
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Due to high stock ratio, the fish are prone to diseases/parasites in case of any break out Reduction in the stocking rate, the farmer should farther maintain the hygiene and precaution in management

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

1 farm

  • interviews with land users

1 farmer

  • compilation from reports and other existing documentation

1- a news paper that wrote about a similar pond system, in Masaka District

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

Rear fish in your backyard with harvested rainwater

URL:

http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/Rear-fish-backyard-harvested-rainwater/689860-2997914-vacgkk/index.html

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