Factors Influencing Farmers’ Participation in fish production in Lesotho

Abstract

The study investigated factors influencing smallholder farmers’ participation in fish farming in Lesotho. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 400 farmers from whom data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Percentage and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the objectives of the study. Results revealed that government support (β=2.662), lack of arable land (β=2.824) and social capital (β=2.387) enhanced participation in fish farming while membership in farmer group/association (β=1.925), path dependency (β=2.007) and culture (β=2.985) had a constraining effect on participation in fish farming in the country. Based on the results, it is concluded that institutional, technical and socioeconomic factors influence participation. In light of these, it is recommended that unobservable and informal institutional factors be taken cognisant of in the design of fish farming development policies and strategies in Lesotho. Furthermore, the formation of fish-based farmer organisations be encouraged, promoted and supported in the country.