Evaluation of Farmers Knowledge, Perception and Attitudes on Fish Production in Lesotho

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of fish farming by identifying its impacts on the economic and social status of farmers, investigating their awareness of general management practices in fish production, and determining the underlying rationale, opportunities, and challenges they encounter. Through this comprehensive approach, the research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of how fish farming influences livelihoods, the extent of farmers’ knowledge in sustainable practices, and the factors that shape their engagement in aquaculture. Study Design: The study employed a descriptive and exploratory design and a combination of snow ball sampling technique. Fish farmers were interviewed on awareness on general management practices, opportunities and challenges and the impacts of fish farming on economic and social status. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Maseru, which is the lowest geographical point in the country, resting at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. The district experiences a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 20.4 °C in summer to 6.6 °C in winter. Annual precipitation averages around 896 mm, with monthly rainfall of approximately 57.6 mm and about 88 days per year receiving more than 0.1 mm of rainfall (Lesotho Meteorological Services, 2013). The study was carried out across two divisions of Maseru: urban and rural. The urban division included the villages of Moshoeshoe II, Seoli, Thamae, and Ts’enola. The rural division comprised Roma, Mazenod, Moruthoane, and St Michales between August 2024 and August 2025. Methodology: Data obtained from each respondent was entered directly into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analysis. Cross tabulations were used to calculate the percentages while Chi-Square test was used to test P-value. Results: There was no significant association (P ≤ 0.05) between farmers’ demographics in all the investigated regions. All the investigated parameters under the impacts of fish farming on social and economic status of farmers revealed no meaningful linkage (P ≤ 0.05) when significance was examined. Variables under both awareness of fish farmers on management practices and opportunities and challenges showed no significant association (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Fish farming offers higher and more stable income than other agricultural activities, with growing participation from women and youth (83%), enhancing gender equality and employment. However, 66.7% of farmers in Lesotho lack awareness of key management practices like water quality checks and disease control. Despite contributing to food and nutrition security (50%), high input costs especially for feeds and nets remain a major challenge. Educating farmers is essential to improve production and sustainability.