Impact of Aquaculture and Mariculture Information Dissemination to the Local Coastal Communities in Kenya

Abstract

Mariculture interventions in Kenya have been introduced with limited training provided to the farmers. For sustainable aquaculture development under KCDP, farmer’s trainings are prioritized. The study was conducted to investigate the awareness level of aquaculture and impact of trainings to the local communities from Kilifi and Kwale in coastal Kenya. A questionnaire was used to collect information and a sample size of 30 communities randomly selected from each of the two counties. Data analysis was carried out using MS Excel and Minitab where the respondent’s views in the pre and post training period were tabulated and displayed in form of percentages. Using correspondence analysis technique, participants’ views were characterized on knowledge capacity of questions displayed in an asymmetric row plot against the selected ranks in form of a Likert scale where farmers indicates Yes, Little or No as per their understanding of the question. 81.4% of the new farmers had no idea about fish farming, 9.30% had little idea and 9.30% had idea on fish farming. On practicing farmers, 61.23% had no idea on fish farming, 14.28% got a little idea and 24.49% agreed to have ideas on fish farming. Farmers confessed to know different culture facilities after the trainings, this study concludes that information is vital and there is still difficulty in sharing it to create a platform for more production and meaningful jobs for communities. It is recommended that extension agents should reach out to communities and pass useful information for farming profitability.