Fish farming is quickly gaining popularity in Uasin Gishu county even as farmers look to diversify. 

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Growing demand for fish not only in Eldoret town but also the entire North Rift region makes this type of farming viable.

Here are some the must know things before you finally settle on aquaculture.

First, you need to know that there are two types of fish production you will have to choose from; extensive or intensive farming. 

Extensive fish farming, according to viableplans.com, utilizes natural water sources and natural food sources and low investment costs are required while for intensive fish farming, more sophisticated management techniques are applied to optimize fish production. In this type of farming, the investment cost and operational costs are higher. However, fish can be produced all-year-round and in high quantities per unit of area.

Uasin Gishu Agriculture County Executive Samson Yego during a past visit at the University of Eldoret Fish hatchery. [Source/uasingishu.go.ke] 

The second thing you need to know is the four production system which are cage culture, pond culture, continuous flow system and the recirculating system.

Cage culture  

Here you will have floating cages in which you will stock fingerlings and then feed them a nutritionally complete diet. The startup cost is low and the system works well on a small scale. You, however, need to use a lake/pond that is bigger than one surface acre and only slightly deep. Plant cover shouldn’t exceed ⅓ of the lake/pond. 

Pond culture

Here you will stock fish in specially designed ponds that contain standing water. This is generally the most economical means of fish production and virtually every species of fish for aquaculture can be grown using this system. 

Continuous flow systems

These describe raceways, ponds or tanks through which new water is constantly flowing. Raceways are generally made of concrete while tanks are typically made from concrete or fibreglass. In many situations, these systems have been shown to be uneconomical. 

Recirculating system  

This refers to indoor tank systems where water is filtered and reused.

Of the four systems, fish pond culture is the most popular one based on its clear advantages.

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