Aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility among cage fish farmers in Mwanza, Tanzania

Aquaculture becomes increasingly important in increasing fish production, food security, and employment opportunities, a limited understanding of aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility among cage fish farmers hinders the productivity and sustainability of cage fish farming in Mwanza, Tanzania. This study assessed aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility among cage fish farmers in Mwanza, Tanzania. This study was conducted in three districts: Nyamagana, Ilemela, and Magu. This research was guided by Mtega's Information Need, Access, and Use model. A cross-sectional research design was conducted involving 130 cage fish farmers and six key informants. Qualitative data were collected by using semi-structured interviews, and quantitative data were collected by using a structured questionnaire, respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.The results reveal that cage fish farmers need aquaculture knowledge in fish feed and feeding, fish breeding, disease prevention and treatment, weather conditions, and market situations. However, accessibility to this category of aquaculture knowledge is limited. Moreover, findings indicate that demographic factors such as education level, farming experience, cage size, and family income significantly influence both aquaculture knowledge needs and accessibility at P < 0.05. These results underscore the need to improve aquaculture knowledge needs assessment and improve its accessibility to improve the productivity of cage fish farming. The study recommends that governments and development partners, in collaboration with fishery extension officers, create schemes that link aquaculture knowledge needs and their accessibility to cage fish farmers to improve productivity and sustainability of cage fish farming.