Performance of Aquaponics Technologies in the Albertine Region, Western Uganda

Abstract

Overfishing is a challenge that has caused the extinction of endemic fish species and decreasing fish stocks in Lake Albert. This study focuses on the performance of aquaponics technology as a farming alternative in Hoima region to address the challenges faced by aquaponics farmers. This technology is known to provide fish resources and agricultural products for both commercial and domestic consumption. The objectives of this study included; comparing the performance of fish, small and large leaf plants in an aquaponics system, determining the efficiency of plant beds in filtering water, and identifying the challenges faced by aquaponics farmers in Hoima district. The KYUBDAS investigation helped this study identify the performance of fish and plants in a Recirculating fish Aquaculture System (RAS). The fish species were, (1) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (2) African catfish (Clarius gariepinus) and vegetable plants included: (1) Coriander (Coriandrum sativa) (2) Sukuma wiki (Brassica oleracea), (3) Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and (4) Lettuce (Lectuca sativa).