Contribution of Small-Scale Fish Farming Subsector to Rural Income Generation in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of small-scale fish farming subsector to rural income generation in Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study applied a qualitative method to collect data from individual respondents using the semi-structured interview involving 15 small-scale fish farmers. The findings from the study revealed that in terms of gender, more men were participating in the fish farming sector than women. Seventy-three percent of the total participants were men as compared to 27 percent of women participating in fish farming. In terms of age, a large proportion of farmers were men and women within the age range of 41-50 years and above 50 years who participated more actively in fish farming than other age groups. The results revealed some challenges and constraints characterised by theft of fish by community members, fish-eating birds or predators, poor access to funding, expensive fish feed, unavailability of fish feed, shortage of land, lack of proper infrastructure, and insufficient water supply during the drought period. As part of recommendations, some interventions should be developed to address the constraints and challenges revealed in the study. Small-scale fish farmers should be assisted to have access to proper infrastructure, boreholes to supplement available water during the dry season, fish feed, the agricultural market, land and other resources for fish farming.