Knowledge and experience of fish farmers on the grow-out culture of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Pontevedra Capiz

Abstract

This study assessed the knowledge and experience of catfish growers in the Municipality of Pontevedra, Province of Capiz. The study aims to provide the base line data of the catfish sector in the municipality of Pontevedra, in terms of number of catfish growers, total area utilized in catfish production, total volume of stocking, as well as total volume of catfish production. A questionnaire was used as the survey instrument to assess the knowledge and experience of the respondents. The questionnaire was composed of three (3) parts; Part I is the demographic profile of respondents which consists of the following: age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, monthly income, number of children, and occupation. Whereas, Part II includes the knowledge of fish farmers on African Catfish culture. Lastly, Part III is about the experiences of fish farmers on African catfish culture. Based on the findings, the following conclusion were drawn, there are 45 African Catfish grower in the municipality of Pontevedra, all of the interviewed fish farmers have had performed land preparation before they culture African catfish. Application of lime and land cultivation, application of tea seed or pesticide and growing of lablab and algae are the primary activities done during the land preparation, the total pond area intended for catfish culture in the Pontevedra, Capiz is 980 square meters, with total stocking density of 25,600 individuals while total volume of production at 580 kg.