Factors restraining youth involvement in fish farming business: Case study of Kamuthanga Village, Kenya

BAISSA ATAKPA 1, *, JONAS YAWOVI DZINEKOU 1 and EVANS GACHERU KIMANI 1

1 Institute for Social Transformation, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Tangaza University, Kenya.
 2 Community development and Environmental Management, School of Cooperative and community Development, Cooperative University of Kenya, Kenya.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 13(01), 2979–2985.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.1.1959
Publication history: 
Received on 05 September 2024; revised on 17 October 2024; accepted on 19 October 2024
 
Abstract: 
Fish farming serves as one of the important strategies for reducing unemployment and improving the standard of living for many households. However, in many African countries, including Kenya, a large number of young people tend to pursue administrative and white-collar jobs, resulting in a noticeable lack of youth participation in the fish farming sector. This trend underscores the challenge of attracting youth to agricultural enterprises like fish farming, despite its promising opportunities. This study explored the factors limiting youth participation in the fish farming business, targeting some individuals aged 18-35 in Kamuthanga village. The research follows a qualitative case study approach, with twenty-six (26) individuals interviewed. The study is grounded in the anthropological entrepreneurship theory, utilizing triangulation to ensure a holistic understanding. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were employed to capture perceptions regarding barriers to youth involvement. The data was gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and analyzed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner Lite software. Data organization, coding, and theme development were conducted systematically to align with the study’s objectives. The findings revealed several challenges hindering youth involvement in fish farming, including the semi-arid conditions of Kamuthanga village, which lead to water scarcity; limited access to capital; insufficient technical knowledge; inadequate support structures; and some cultural barriers. These findings shed light on the critical factors that must be addressed to foster greater youth involvement in fish farming and ultimately unlock its potential for economic development and unemployment reduction in Kamuthanga village.
 
Keywords: 
Fish Farming; Youth Employment; Unemployment; Water Scarcity; Financial Problems; Cultural Barriers.
 
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