An Assessment of Government-Funded Small-Scale Cage Fish Farming in Siavonga District, Zambia: Performance, Challenges and Opportunities

Oliver J. Hasimuna^1*Joseph Mphande²Moses Lengwe³Sillah Siavwapa⁴Ian Bbole⁵Henry Bwalya^3,6Ipaalo Ndhlovu³Enock Siankwilimba⁷Isaac O. Ogundare⁸Arthertone Jere⁹Francis M. Mbaimbai³Erick Otieno¹⁰Malambo Muloongo¹¹Malawo Mweemba¹²Moses Chibesa³

• ¹Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, Palabana University, P.O Box 50199, Lusaka, Zambia
• ²Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, P.O Box 70416, Ndola, Zambia
• ³Department of Zoology and Aquatic Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, P.O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
• ⁴Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, P.O Box 85, Siavonga, Zambia
• ⁵IBAN Aquafish Solutions and Consultancy Ltd, Lusaka, Zambia
• ⁶Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia, 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
• ⁷Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
• ⁸Department of Geography and Environmental Science, School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, RG6 6AB, Reading, United Kingdom
• ⁹Department of Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences, Kapasa Makasa University, P.O Box 480195, Chinsali, Zambia
• ¹⁰X-Capital Analytic, School of Data Science, P.O. Box 51235, Nairobi, Kenya
• ¹¹Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
• ¹²Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, P.O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia

Aquaculture is a key driver of food and nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and economic development in Zambia. This study evaluated the performance, challenges, and opportunities associated with government-funded small-scale cage fish farming in Siavonga District, contributing to the discourse on sustainable aquatic food systems and climate resilience. Using mixed methods including questionnaires, interviews, and insights from the Ministry of Fisheries, data were gathered from 30 purposively selected farmers between 2020 and 2023.The findings show that government investments have improved income generation and job creation by lowering entry barriers through infrastructure support and extension services.However, constraints such as theft, fish predation, currency fluctuations, and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder adaptive decision-making and reduce the competitiveness of publicly supported farmers compared to their private-sector counterparts. Key opportunities for sustainable transformation include expanding access to quality inputs such as fingerlings and feed, improving lake transport systems, and fostering public-private partnerships.Importantly, this study offers a climate-smart perspective by highlighting how adaptive support systems and inclusive policy frameworks can enhance the resilience of small-scale aquaculture in the face of climate variability. Integrating government-led initiatives with market-driven innovations is essential to strengthen the resilience, inclusivity, and long-term viability of Zambia's aquaculture sector. The study provides practical insights for advancing blue transformation in similar socio-ecological settings.