An assessment of social and ecological factors influencing the management and productivity of smallholder aquacultural systems in Northern Province, Zambia

Smallholder fish farmers in Zambia face complex social and ecological challenges. Previous studies have highlighted limitations to productivity in Northern Province, where rates of poverty are high and farmers lack access to essential inputs and markets. Stakeholders emphasize research is needed to understand aquaculture’s functions at household and farm scales. Innovations to improve productivity must consider agroecological contexts, local knowledge, and adaptations to situate aquaculture within local livelihood. A study was conducted in Luwingu District to assess productivity and understand farmer perceptions. Data collection (Oct–Dec 2021) engaged fish farmers (n = 63) in surveys, farm appraisals, and discussions. Qualitative data highlighted farmers’ perspectives, and thematic review identified their major challenges. Quantitative data described household demographics, priorities, resources, and management systems. Multivariate techniques (principal components analysis [PCA]) assessed variation within the sample, reduced data complexity, and created sets of composite variables describing system inputs. Multiple linear regression tested effects of inputs on pond productivity (kg Fish m−2); and stepwise elimination identified key factors. Results indicated that farmers considered aquaculture a secondary economic activity, contributing an average of only 9% ± 12% to household income. Most farmers used household labor, basic tools, and crop waste as inputs. The mean output (1.2 ± 1.2 t fish ha−1) was low. Predictive models indicated household wealth, education, farm size, intensity of feed, fingerling and labor inputs, fish growth cycles, and spatial integration with cropland were most associated with aquacultural productivity. Farmers emphasized that limited finances, high costs, and inconsistent local supplies of quality inputs were major challenges. Potential pathways for change are discussed, and recommendations for additional research are offered.