Aquaculture and aquafeed in Rwanda: current status and perspectives

ABSTRACT A survey was conducted to obtain up-to-date information and create a knowledge base on pond fish farming, local feed ingredients, and their nutritive properties in Rwanda. Sixty-seven pond-farms were randomly sampled from a population of 112 countrywide. Semi-intensive was the dominant (81%) farming-system and three fish species were cultured: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Tilapia was the most commonly farmed species, and >50% of pond-farms were located in Northern and Southern provinces. There were 1–3 hatcheries per province, all producing tilapia. In total, 31 feed ingredients were identified, with rice, wheat, and maize bran being most commonly used. Feed analysis revealed high protein content (>350 g kg−1 CP) in local fishmeal, chicken viscera, and spent brewer’s yeast. Local ingredients and potential novel-feeds need further investigation prior to their confident use in fish diets to improve aquaculture at a low-cost in Rwanda.