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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2023

Aquaculture and aquafeed in Rwanda: current status and perspectives

Niyibizi, Leon; Vidakovic, Aleksandar; Halden, Anna Norman; Tabaro, Simon Rukera; Lundh, Torbjorn

Abstract

A survey was conducted to obtain up-to-date information and create a knowledge base on pond fish farming, local feed ingredients, and their nutritive properties in Rwanda. Sixty-seven pond-farms were randomly sampled from a population of 112 countrywide. Semi-intensive was the dominant (81%) farming-system and three fish species were cultured: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Tilapia was the most commonly farmed species, and >50% of pond-farms were located in Northern and Southern provinces. There were 1-3 hatcheries per province, all producing tilapia. In total, 31 feed ingredients were identified, with rice, wheat, and maize bran being most commonly used. Feed analysis revealed high protein content (>350 g kg(-1) CP) in local fishmeal, chicken viscera, and spent brewer's yeast. Local ingredients and potential novel-feeds need further investigation prior to their confident use in fish diets to improve aquaculture at a low-cost in Rwanda.

Keywords

Fish farming; pond-aquaculture; local feed ingredients; semi-intensive farming system; survey; Rwanda

Published in

Journal of Applied Aquaculture
2023, Volume: 35, number: 3, pages: 743-764