Socioeconomic Characteristics and Biosecurity Measures of Fish Farms in the West Region of Cameroon

Aims: The study aims to evaluate socio-economic and zootechnical characteristics, and biosecurity practices in cultured fish farms in the West Region of Cameroon.

Study Design: A stratified cross-sectional study using random-number generation method of fish farms and their locations to select fish farms without replacing the number.

Place and Duration of Study: Fish farms in West Region, Cameroon between December 2018 and April 2019.

Methodology: Questionnaire survey and on-farm observations to obtain information on socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, production characteristics of fish farms, biosecurity and preventive measures. Fifty-one fish farms were surveyed.

Results: Most respondents were married (96.1%) Muslims (51%) men (84.3%) with primary school level education (51%) and at least 40 years old (92.2%). Mix fish species farming was widespread with Oreochromis niloticus (100%) being predominant followed by Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio (47.1%), Heterotis niloticus (9.8%) and Clarias jaensis (5.9%). The fishes were fed once daily (35.3%) with farm-made feeds (66.7%) and showed 7 to 12 months breeding cycle (76.5%). Predation, theft, lack of financial and technical support were the main constraints for fish farmers. Extensive (94%) fish farming was predominant and isolation (66.66%), sanitation practices (94.12%) and traffic control (62.75%) were the biosecurity components adopted in farms. Lack of finance was the major cause of abandonment and poor biosecurity compliance rate (<25%) in the study. Husbandry system, culture duration, pond water source, capture method and religion of farmers influenced (p<0.05) biosecurity scores.

Conclusion: The study presents the first report on socioeconomic and technical characteristics, and biosecurity measures of fish farming activities in Cameroon. It revealed no socio-cultural and religious taboos in fish farming. Farm biosecurity practices can be improved through education and training of farmers on farm practices and biosecurity measures in collaboration with academic and fishery industry partners for improved productivity of fish farms in Cameroon.