Factors Determining the Rejection of Fish Farming Innovations in a Rural Zambian Community

Abstract

The objective of this qualitative study was to address the rejection of fish farming innovations in the rural farming community of Munendwe Village, Eastern Province, Zambia. The researcher, also the resident Peace Corps Volunteer, experienced challenges facilitating the adoption of innovations in fish farming throughout the assigned 24 months of service in this community. The purpose of this study was to identify the influences related to gender, culture, time, and logistics for active fish farmers.

The sample was a census of 30 (N=30) fish farmers. This study utilized 30 unstructured, individual face-to-face interviews. The study sample consisted of nine (N=9) females and 21 (N=21) males. The theoretical framework of this research was based on Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory. It was pertinent that the population be interviewed about their attitudes toward fish farming innovations to aid in the understanding of what was affecting the rate of rejection in this community.

The findings of objective one indicate lack of labor, financial resources, access to fingerlings, and increased predation as the primary barriers affecting rejection in female participants. In male participants, primary barriers included a lack of resources in regard to harvesting, fingerlings, and finances. Future Peace Corps Volunteers are tasked with encouraging a resurgence of interest in labor sharing techniques common in agricultural cooperatives. Trainings and demonstrations of fencing strategies, to protect ponds from predators, are essential to the future success of fish farming practices. To address the lack of fingerling resources, Peace Corps Volunteers can work with community members to introduce alternative methods of fingerling production such as brooding ponds. Government and extension agents from the Department of Fisheries are encouraged to establish savings programs or micro-loan agendas for small-scale farmers to support the launch of fish farming enterprises.

Access to this study is beneficial for Peace Corps Zambia staff members, particularly those designing Pre-Service Training in the Rural Aquaculture Promotion program, as well as current Peace Corps Volunteers. An understanding of what contributes to rejection in fish farming increases volunteers’ capacity to work more efficiently and effectively in the given 24 months of service at their community post.