Evaluating Growth and Economic Viability of Fish Species Cultured with Local Feeds in Uganda's Mid-Altitude Regions

Abstract

The main objective of this chapter explores the growth and economic feasibility of fish species cultured on local feeds in mid-altitude regions of Uganda against high altitude challenges with regard to ecological constraints. The main research question involved is the impact of the quality of the environment as well as local feeds in the growth and economic performances of Rainbow trout, Nile tilapia, and Mirror carp. There are five sub-research questions that guide this study, namely: the impact of environmental quality on the growth of Rainbow trout, influence of local feeds on the economic viability of Nile tilapia, growth comparison between Rainbow trout and Mirror carp, profitability analysis of Mirror carp, and feed quality role in fish performance. A quantitative methodology is used, and the discussion centres on independent variables and dependent variables: environmental quality and feed quality as independent, and growth rate and economic viability as dependents. The paper then moves from literature review to methodology, results, followed by a discussion on both theoretical and practical implications, focusing on the importance of optimized feeds and management practices.