Environmental and Economic Impact of Fish cum Rice and Poultry Production Integration System

Abstract

The economic viability and environmental friendliness of integrating fish with rice and poultry was evaluated in a fish pond (520m 2 ); a paddy platform (8 x 25m 2 ) sown with 1.00kg NERICA 19; a poultry house (3.5 x 11m in dimension) and a maggoty. Integrated pond was stocked at 1.923 fish per m 2 (25g mean weight) while 400 day-old broilers were housed. Water quality parameters determined were within recommended range for the culture of tropical fish species and statistically non-significant (p < 0.05). The synergy gave positive Net Present Value NPV of Le 18,520,661.51 (US\$4,161.95) in the third year; a benefit-cost ratio of 1.23 and two year payback. Sensitivity calculated was 23.6% an indication of the sensitivity of the investment to survival rate. Integrating fish with rice and poultry is environment friendly, and economically viable with potential to create employment, augment income and improve the living standard of sub Saharan poor population.