Economics of tilapia cultivation in Kasai Occidental, Zaire

Conclusions are based primarily on interviews with 153 farmers, including both participants and nonparticipants in the AID/Peace Corps Projet Pisciculture Familiale - which promoted intensified feeding of tilapia in earthen ponds. Interview data were supplemented by market analyses and direct observation of pond-related activities. Five factors emerged as being the most important for ensuring the long-term sustainability of rural fish pond culture: (1) well-sited ponds capable of withstanding heavy rainfall; (2) self-sufficiency in fingerling supply; (3) good health of the principal fish farmer; (4) lack of extensive theft; and (5) an adequate labor supply for feeding fish. In urban areas, the availability of inexpensive supplementary feeds was more critical than was labor supply, and pilfering was the second most important constraint on farmers. Findings also showed that both urban and rural farmers obtained considerable benefit from harvesting fish for home consumption and that successful farmers sought to maximize production by increasing the area in production rather than output per unit of area. Also included are: 60 tables, plus maps and figures; 57 French and English references (1956-84); and a sample survey questionnaire. (Author abstract, modified)