Profitability analysis of small scale aquaculture enterprises in Central Uganda

Abstract

The study had three overriding objectives. Firstly, to assess the profitability of small-scale aquaculture 
production enterprises in central Uganda; secondly, to ascertain the factors affecting profitability; and 
thirdly, to identify the constraints to fish farming in the region.The data were collected through a survey 
questionnaire administered to a random sample of 200 small scale fish farmers in the three major fish 
farming districts of Mpigi, Mukono and Wakiso in central Uganda. The analysis was carried out using 
descriptive statistics, enterprise budgeting and ordinary linear regression. Although the results show 
small-scale aquaculture enterprises to be profitable in the study region, the estimated profit margins 
are relatively small. Farming experience, fish price, record keeping, feed cost and volume of fish 
harvested were the most influential factors in explaining profitability. The key factors identified as 
hindrances to aquaculture development in the region included predators, unavailability of credit 
facilities, expensive feeds, shortage and poor quality of fingerlings.