Review and analysis of small-scale aquaculture production in East Africa: Part 2. Rwanda

This report presents the findings of a desk study and a field work conducted in Rwanda on small-scale commercial aquaculture and is part of a regional study commissioned by Msingi East Africa Limited. The aquaculture sector in Rwanda is dominated by small- scale producers of mainly Tilapia and African catfish (to a lesser extent) in ponds, and an increasing number of Tilapia producers in cages in Lakes Kivu and Muhazi. Based on production infrastructure used and production volumes, three segments have been identified: 1. Small-holder farmers producing Tilapia in ponds using animal manure to fertilise the ponds and feeding with bran and vegetables. The production of fish farmers in segment 1 range between 1.5and 17 tonnes of fish per year. 2. Small-holders producing Tilapia in low volume cages using farm-made feed and locally manufactured feed. The production of fish farmers in segment 2 range between 17 and 30 tonnes of fish per year. 3. Small-holders producing Tilapia in high volume cages using locally manufactured feed and imported feed. The production of fish farmers in segment 3 range between 30 and 50 tonnes of fish per year.Key constraints encountered by the sector are the lack of fingerlings in quantity and quality, the low quality of locally manufactured feed, the high cost of imported feed, the lack of skills and access to finance. Opportunities to expand small-scale commercial fish farming exist in mass on-growing of tilapia fry, semi-intensification of pond production, and clustering of small-scale commercial cage farmers for improved access to inputs, services, information and training, and a consistent supply of fish products to the markets.Recommended production models for small-scale commercial fish farmers include aquaculture park systems linked through farming contracts to input/service suppliers and fish traders.