Characterization of fish markets for small-scale farmers in Kenya

A study was done to determine the characteristics of fish markets for small-scale fish farmers in four Counties in Kenya, namely, Kirinyaga, Busia, Kakamega and Migori. The objectives of the study were to i) assess the social-economic characteristics of fish farmers, ii) determine the main factors that influenced fish markets and iii) evaluate the main production and marketing challenges. Participants in the study were selected from active fish farmers, traders and consumers through stratified purposive sampling. During sampling, care was taken to include women fish farmers who practiced fish farming individually or in groups. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires for each group of participants. Global Positioning System (GPS) co-ordinates were taken for all areas visited in the study. Most of the fish farmers were 40 – 60 years old and had only attained a primary level of education. Majority of farmers in Kirinyaga County stocked mixed sex tilapia, while all stocked male tilapia in Kakamega and Busia. In Migori, farmers stocked either all male or mixed sexes. Fish took between 8 – 9 months to attain an average weight of 280 grams. The most important market outlets for farmed fish were neighbours, friends, relatives and other social networks at the pond site. Most farmers preferred wild to farmed fish. The most popular product transformation activities were descaling and gutting.