@phdthesis{01HAXWPDCG45T57K0SBFP2HHD4,
  abstract     = {{In rural Sub-Saharan Africa, water is a scarce but highly coveted natural resource that is important for all forms of production and livelihood. While large-scale aquaculture is rapidly growing especially around Lake Victoria, rural smallholder fish farming in Uganda is still underperforming and understudied. This stands in contrast with highly productive regions like Asia, where smallholder aquaculture is dominant in rural areas and the backbone of the economy, as well as providing livelihood opportunities. This study explores the potential of aquaculture in rural Uganda with an emphasis on evaluating the optimal utilization of the available water resources and assessing the impact of climate and production factors on aquaculture yields, hereby using the Rwenzori region as a natural laboratory.
In this thesis, we identify potential surface water resources for inland aquaculture from Sentinel-2 images of the Rwenzori Region of Uganda. We introduce the use of remote sensing techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to identify and map the surface water resources available. After characterizing the availability of surface water resources in the region to foster effective aquaculture development, the factors that affect aquaculture production are assessed and discussed. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of active fish farmers on water quality and its management in aquaculture are also evaluated. This is complemented by an assessment of the impacts of KAPs on the sustainable utilization of the available freshwater resources as well as on self-reported yields. The thesis further highlights the presence of microclimates in the mountainous regions of Uganda and their potential impact on the fish yields from smallholder aquaculture amidst the current low species diversity of the country’s aquaculture sector. Spatial and temporal variations in water quality among earthen pond fish farmers are also unearthed using water quality index methods. The thesis generally highlights the importance of promoting the development of aquaculture in rural Uganda through the sustainable utilization of water resources using environment-friendly and climate-resilient methods for improved household nutrition, incomes, and national development as targeted by the Uganda Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals.}},
  author       = {{Ssekyanzi, Athanasius}},
  isbn         = {{9789463576628}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{XII, 245}},
  publisher    = {{Ghent University. Faculty of Bioscience Engineering}},
  school       = {{Ghent University}},
  title        = {{Water management for improved aquaculture production in the Rwenzori region of Uganda}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}