Simon Chileshe is a 4th year BSc Agriculture student at the University of Zambia. He is working on a group assignment for his ANS 422 course titled "Ground Six Assignment One" which is due on May 12th. The assignment asks the group to provide a full account of how to establish and operate a medium-scale tilapia aquaculture business with 4 fish ponds in Zambia, considering site selection factors such as available land, water sources, soil quality, climate, transportation access, electricity access, proximity to markets, and environmental regulations. Key factors for choosing an optimal site include a dependable water source with good water quality, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.5
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Simon Group Assignment
Simon Chileshe is a 4th year BSc Agriculture student at the University of Zambia. He is working on a group assignment for his ANS 422 course titled "Ground Six Assignment One" which is due on May 12th. The assignment asks the group to provide a full account of how to establish and operate a medium-scale tilapia aquaculture business with 4 fish ponds in Zambia, considering site selection factors such as available land, water sources, soil quality, climate, transportation access, electricity access, proximity to markets, and environmental regulations. Key factors for choosing an optimal site include a dependable water source with good water quality, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.5
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NAME: SIMON CHILESHE
STUDENT NUMBER: 201900066
YEAR OF STUDY: 4th YEAR
COURSE CODE: ANS 422 PROGRAM: BSc AGRIC TITLE: GROUNP SIX ASSINGMENT ONE LECTURER: MR KAPANDA DUE DATE 12th MAY
QUESTION FOR GROUP SIX
give a full account on how you would go about an aquaculture business or enterprise at medium scale level producing tilapia if you are given a fish farm with 4 fish ponds each of size 600m2 in Zambia. SITE SELECTION INTRODUCTION The Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most commonly cultured Tilapia species in Zambia and is considered a good choice for commercial Tilapia farming due to its fast growth rate, high disease resistance, and tolerance to varying water quality conditions The success of the farm's operation depends on its location. When choosing a location for a tilapia aquaculture enterprise in Zambia, it's important to take environmental regulations, soil suitability, water availability and quality, market accessibility, transportation accessibility, and access to electricity and other utilities into consideration. You can choose a location that will improve the odds of your tilapia farm's success by carefully taking these things into account. Availability of water and Quality The most crucial element in tilapia aquaculture is water. The farm should be situated close to a steady and dependable water source. The water source should be pure from pollutants and devoid of chemicals, heavy metals, and other contaminants. In addition, the water needs to be free of dangerous diseases and parasites that could impair the health of the fish. Soil pH The agricultural site's soil needs to be productive, free of contaminants, and well-draining. For growing tilapia, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is optimal. To evaluate the pH and nutrient levels of the soil, soil tests can be carried out. Mild to warm conditions are ideal for tilapia aquaculture in Zambia. The topography is another important factor to consider. The land should be moderately flat to facilitate the construction of the ponds and reduce the risk of flooding. The site should also be easily accessible to transport inputs and harvest the fish. Soil quality: The soil quality is also important, as it will affect the construction of the ponds and the growth of the fish. The soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging and support the growth of aquatic plants and microorganisms that form the base of the food chain. The soil should also be free from contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens. Climate: The climate affects the growth and reproduction of the tilapia. The ideal temperature range for tilapia is between 25-30°C, so the site should be located in a region with a warm and stable climate. site must also be protected from extreme weather such as storms and floods Transportation and electricity availability Electricity should be available at the farm location to run the pumps and aerators that are essential for raising tilapia. The farm should also be close to a transportation hub since this will make it simpler to deliver fish to markets and suppliers. Proximity to Markets The farm location should be situated close to places where there may be customers, like eateries, markets, and fishmongers. It will be simpler to transport fish and more affordable to do so the closer the farm is to the market. To ascertain the level of tilapia demand in the region, it is crucial to carry out market research. Environmental Regulations Understanding the environmental guidelines and authorizations needed for Zambian aquaculture operations is crucial before selecting a farm location. For the sake of avoiding any fines and penalties, it is important to make sure the farm site complies with all legal criteria and rules. REFERENCES Mungoni, M. T., Mhone, T. G., & Maluwa, A. O. (2016). Site selection for tilapia aquaculture in Zambia: A GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis approach. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, 117(2), 269-278. Chanda, R., & Banda, L. J. (2016). Site selection criteria for aquaculture in Zambia: A review. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 4(2), 277-283. Mlozi, M. R. S., & Monde, N. N. (2015). Site selection for tilapia farming in Zambia: A GIS- based multi-criteria decision analysis approach. Aquaculture International, 23(5), 1211-1228. doi:10.1007/s10499-015-9889-5
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