Description
Kosgei P.J, Liti M.D, Mutai E.K, Chemoiwa E.J,
Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Eldoret
* Corresponding author: taruspatricia@gmail.com
Abstract
Aquaculture facility type and management practices are central to determining fish growth performance. This study evaluated growth outcomes across tanks, liner ponds, and earthen ponds in selected fish farms within Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The objective was to evaluate the growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus in the selected fish farms under different aquaculture facilities in Uasin Gishu County. Data collection involved farm surveys, measurement of growth parameters, and assessment of management practices including stocking density, feeding strategies, and water quality monitoring. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that tanks had a statistically significant positive effect on fish growth compared to liner facilities (β = 0.104, p = 0.0003), underscoring the advantages of controlled environments in regulating water quality and supporting efficient feed utilization. In contrast, no significant difference was observed between liner and earthen ponds (β = −0.022, p = 0.291), suggesting that under prevailing management practices, these systems provide relatively comparable growth conditions. The findings emphasize that while tanks offer measurable advantages under intensive production, effective management practices remain the strongest predictors of growth performance across all facility types. Based on these results, several recommendations are proposed to strengthen aquaculture in Uasin Gishu County. Farmers should prioritize consistent monitoring of key water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature, supported by routine testing and corrective measures. Investment in nutritionally balanced feeds tailored to tilapia requirements is essential, alongside efforts to develop affordable, locally formulated alternatives. Finally, institutional support through farmer training, demonstration farms, and extension services should be scaled up to build local capacity in water quality management, feed evaluation, and farm-level planning. This study concludes that aquaculture productivity depends on the interplay between facility design and management practices, and that targeted interventions offer pathways to sustainable growth and profitability.
Key Words: Aquaculture facilities, Fish growth performance, Water quality management, Feeding strategies, Uasin Gishu County
Sub-theme: Emerging Technologies
| Title | Emerging Aquaculture Systems and Growth Performance of Oreochromis niloticus in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. |
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