Abstract:
Fish farming is relatively recent compared to subsistence crop farming in Nyamira County. It is becoming
significant due to its contribution to nutrition, self employment and income generation. A Cost Benefit Analysis was
conducted from March-October 2016, to estimate its viability. Semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data from
320 farmers using simple random sampling technique. Focused group discussion schedules were administered to three
groups of ten farmers to collect extra data. Further information was collected on data returns of harvests from farmers
and from interview schedules of fifteen key informants. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social
Science (SPSS) version 20.0 and Excel spreadsheet programme. Chi square (χ
2
) was used to test if there were significant
differences between profits obtained by farmers at p=0.05. Results indicated that the mean input cost per farmer ranged
from Ksh 46.08±0.08-Ksh 50.34±58m-2
. A positive correlation between total feed costs and net income (R) ranged from
0.479-0.519. Cost Benefit Ratio indicated that Borabu had the highest (4.66) followed by Manga (1.51) and by Nyamira
North (1.31). A similar trend was observed on Rate of Returns on Investment with Borabu having 3.64, Nyamira North
0.44 and Manga 0.75. New farmers obtained low net income due to costs incurred on construction of new ponds. Most
commonly used feeds were vegetables, kitchen remains and Rastrineobola argentea. This study demonstrates that small
scale aquaculture can be profitable when appropriate inputs are provided.
