Unravelling the decision matrix: factors shaping small-scale aquaculture sustainability and choice of interventions in Lake Victoria basin communities, Uganda

Fishing is crucial for food security and economic stability in Uganda, supporting over 1.8 million people. However, unsustainable practices and declining fish stocks threaten livelihoods, necessitating strategic interventions in small-scale aquaculture. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing small-scale aquaculture intervention choices among farmers in the Lake Victoria Basin. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving a cross-sectional survey conducted across three purposively selected districts: Buikwe, Wakiso, and Mpigi. Data were collected from 169 respondents in November 2023 using quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Data were analyzed using STATA and thematic methods, including multinomial logistic regression to examine choice patterns of pond farming (69.6%), cage farming (22.8%), and aquaponics (7.6%). The findings reveal a significant male predominance (83.6%) among fish farmers and highlight that education level, household size, and location and resource access influence small scale aquaculture intervention choice. Specifically, higher education levels were associated with a greater likelihood of choosing cage farming and aquaponics, while larger household sizes influenced preferences for pond farming due to resource allocation dynamics and limited access to resources constrains aquaculture diversification. To promote sustainable aquaculture, it is essential to implement programs aimed at empowering women, developing educational initiatives to enhance farmers' knowledge, and improving access to financial services. Additionally, advocating for supportive policy frameworks is critical for ensuring that aquaculture development in Uganda is sustainable and responsive to community needs.