BWATHONDI, P.O.J.1, C.G. MAHIKA1, A. P. A. SHOKO2 & P. O. ONYANGO 2

1Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 9750 Dar-es-Salaam
2Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 46 Shirati

Fish farming development in the Lake Victoria catchment area of Tanzania: NGOs input in providing extension services

Small-scale pond fish farming has not been highly appreciated though it can be practiced in several areas within the Lake Victoria catchment area of Tanzania. This stems from the fact that for time immemorial fish supply has been generated from the lake. Since a decade ago, a number of people who have been involved in the fishing industry of the lake have observed a declining trend in the fish production from the lake. This decline has caused worries as to the future of fish supply from the lake which has resulted in discussions on how small-scale fish farming can contribute to increase fish supply. In order for fish farming to contribute effectively there is need for effective extension service. It is this extension which has been noted to be inadequate, however Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) have been performing an excellent job in providing this extension. These NGOs and CBOs do not have adequate technical knowledge on the identification of fish species cultures and farming practice. This paper reports on three case studies, how these NGOs and CBOs have promoted fish farming in three districts riparian to the lake, and their weaknesses. This paper includes recommendations on how effectiveness can be improved as well as harmonizing activities of other organizations and the government in fish farming development.