Assessment of Integrated Aquaculture Intervention System in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Although integrated aquaculture has the potential to contribute to food security, it is still among the neglected sectors in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. This study was designed: (1) to assess the performance of existing integrated aquaculture intervention and its contribution for farmers, (2) to evaluate the current pond management practices, and (3) to identify major obstacles that hinders integrated aquaculture practices. The data was collected from 11 purposively selected aquaculture potential districts of the region. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics supported by exhaustive narrations. The study found that only 20.8% of the surveyed aquaculture ponds were functionally good. From these ponds, 25% of the aquaculture owners earned an average of 513.6 ETB per fish pond. However, these aquaculture adopters start harvesting after three to four years of fish stocking in irregular ways. Such irregularities in harvesting arises from farmers’ minimal knowledge on post-harvest processing and lack of fishing nets. In this regard, 80.4% of the surveyed pond owners felt as they had not benefited from aquaculture adoption compared to their expectations. Based on the level of inputs used and degree of management, the current aquaculture practice in Amhara region inclined towards extensive type. In conclusion, aquaculture development remains at an infancy stage despite years of adoption in the region.