Fish farming, or aquaculture, is the practice of raising fish in controlled environments. The most common types of fish farmed in Eswatini include tilapia and catfish, both of which are hardy species that adapt well to local conditions.

1. Fishpond Design

• Mlandvo’s pond system is an excellent example of economical fish farming. He repurposed a water tank, cutting it in half to create the pond. The tank holds water in a controlled environment, and with proper filtration and aeration systems, it can support healthy fish growth.
• Water recycling is key in Mlandvo’s system. By using a pump to circulate the same water, he minimizes the need for fresh water, an important consideration in rural areas where water resources may be limited.

2. Oxygen Pump Installation

• Fish need oxygen to survive, and in artificial environments like ponds, natural oxygen levels may not be sufficient. Mlandvo has installed an oxygen pump, which injects air into the water, ensuring the fish have enough oxygen to thrive.
• This pump is essential for maintaining the health of the fish, especially as they grow larger and the pond becomes more densely populated.

3. Breeding Process

• Mlandvo recently purchased 15 breeder fish to start the breeding process. These fish will lay eggs, which hatch into fingerlings—young fish that can be sold or raised to maturity.
• Once the fingerlings reach a marketable size, they can be sold to supermarkets, restaurants, or individuals. The breeding process allows farmers like Mlandvo to generate their own stock without having to continuously buy more fish.

4. Market Potential

• In Eswatini, fish farming remains a relatively small industry, but with growing demand for locally produced fish, it offers significant potential. The Ministry of Agriculture has been actively encouraging more farmers to enter the sector, noting that much of the fish consumed in the country is imported.
• By producing fish locally, farmers can meet this demand while also providing fresh, high-quality fish to local markets.

5. Challenges

• Fish farming, while promising, is not without its challenges. Access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles. Like Mlandvo, many aspiring fish farmers struggle to secure funding due to lack of collateral or knowledge about the sector.
• Water management is also a critical issue, as poor water quality can lead to disease outbreaks among the fish. Farmers need to ensure that their ponds have proper filtration and aeration systems in place.

In conclusion, fish farming presents a viable and potentially lucrative opportunity in Eswatini, especially for those willing to innovate and persevere like Mlandvo Sikhondze. With the right support and resources, fish farming can become a sustainable and profitable enterprise that benefits not only individual farmers but entire communities.

For more information and support, contact Ministry of Agriculture: SENIOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICER- FISHERIES:  PHUMZILE MHLANGA  79476505