Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess the role of artisanal fish farming in improving livelihood
among fish farmers in Busega District. Specifically, demographic factors of artisanal fishers
were examined, fish production and techniques, contribution of fish production to the
improved livelihood as well as assessment of the challenges facing artisanal fish producers.
With the help of members of staff from the Department of Fisheries, seventy-seven
respondents form five wards were randomly selected and administered with semi structured
questionnaires and personal interviews. Data were collected by the use of questionnaires,
interview and Focus Group Discussions. Both qualitative and quantitative data were
collected. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while graphs and charts were done in
Microsoft Excel. Results have shown that an artisanal fishing has immensely contributed
towards improved livelihoods of many households in Busega. It has provided employment,
income and food security, both to the local people and the nation at large. The study revealed
that, 94% of them derived their livelihood from fishing, which provided them with the much
needed income and employment. Other fishers especially women, over the years developed
fishing skills such as net mending, fish processing and boat making. The money realised from
fishing was used to build houses, buy fishing equipment and household needs, and pay for
their children's school fees and health care, which thus contributed to their improved
livelihood and food security. The study further revealed that all the fishers ate and shared
some of the fish they caught amongst their kinsmen. In the same vein, fish was the most
abundant, cheap and readily available source of protein amongst the consumers. It can
therefore, be concluded that artisanal fisheries, contributes significantly towards livelihoods
and food security among communities of Busega District.
