For sale or not? Exploratory analysis on the nexus between finfish aquaculture practices and market participation

Finfish aquaculture improves household food security and reduces poverty levels, particularly when conducted for market purposes. However, little is known about the relationship between farm-level management practices and market participation among finfish farmers in developing countries such as Tanzania. Herein, we investigated the relationship between specific aquaculture farm management practices and market participation in finfish farming and their effect on market participation and sales revenue using data from the Tanzania National Sample Census of Agriculture (TNSCA). We found that market participation was influenced negatively by stocking frequency and affected positively by geographical locations of farms. Furthermore, 42% of the farms participated in the market, with an average quantity of fish sold of 2,141.03 ± 9,007.90 kg. Tilapia and African catfish polyculture dominated market sales (56%) during within-group comparison, whereas marine fish were mainly for subsistence. Moreover, the quantity of fish sold from shallow water cage, natural pond and dug out pond was negative when compared to deep-water cages. Furthermore, the size of aquaculture production system and stocking frequency influenced positively fish sales revenue. Taken together, our findings indicate that stocking frequency and geographical locations of farms influence aquaculture market participation. Tailored aquaculture policies by locations can enhance farmers market participation and income generation.