The Influence of Aquaculture Knowledge Use on Cage Fish Farming Productivity: Evidence from Mwanza, Tanzania

Abstract

Rationale of the study - Cage fish farming is critically important for enhancing food security and livelihoods in Tanzania, yet productivity levels remain below expectations. While global research indicates that knowledge use can increase productivity, little is known about how this relationship functions in Mwanza’s cage-fish farming context. This study examined the impact of aquaculture knowledge use on cage fish farming productivity: evidence from Mwanza, Tanzania. Methodology - This study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection. A questionnaire survey and an interview guide served as data collection tools. Convenience sampling was used to select 130 cage fish farmers and 6 key informants. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed on the data. SPSS version 24 was used to analyse the quantitative data, while content analysis was conducted for the qualitative data. Findings - Results showed that cage fish farmers extensively apply aquaculture knowledge in their daily routines. Additionally, regression analysis indicated that the use of aquaculture knowledge significantly affects cage fish farming productivity (P<0.05). Socioeconomic factors, such as farming experience and education level, also significantly influence productivity. Implications - The study highlights the importance of applying aquaculture knowledge to improve the productivity of cage fish farming. According to the study, training programmes and extension services can significantly boost knowledge use and enhance productivity. Originality - Existing research in Tanzania has mainly focused on technical and financial inputs; this study incorporates knowledge use in aquaculture as the key determinants of cage fish farming productivity.