The potential of tilapia cage farming in Semi-Arid Regions: A Case of Dabalo Dam, Dodoma, Tanzania

Aquaculture offers a sustainable solution to meet the global demand for fish and enhance food security. However, in regions where conventional aquaculture faces constraints due to limited water resources and a scarcity of natural water bodies, alternative approaches are needed. This study investigated the feasibility of tilapia cage farming at Dabalo Dam in Dodoma, one of the semi-arid regions in Tanzania. The research examined the growth performance of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) over two production cycles, using different stocking densities and seed sources. The fish were reared in a rectangular iron cage for six months, and fed commercial feeds, with feeding ratios adjusted based on body weight and environmental conditions. Monthly weight and daily survival rate measurements monitored the fish growth while water quality parameters were measured intermittently. The results indicated significant growth differences between the production cycles. Cycle 2 demonstrated superior performance, with an average final weight of 395.17 ± 80.50 g, compared to 120.88 ± 0.75 g in cycle 1. Survival rates remained high in both cycles, demonstrating the fish population's resilience to the prevailing environmental conditions within the dam. The study highlights that seasonal fluctuations in water quality parameters and dam depth affect farming operations, posing both challenges and opportunities. This research offers valuable information on the potential of water reservoirs to support aquaculture development and improve livelihoods in semi-arid areas. However, the success of such initiatives depends on factors such as water conditions, seed quality, and stocking density considerations.