Integrated Fish Farming Systems

The rapid increase in world population has led to severe strain on resources leading to undesirable consequences like water scarcity and protein deficiency, especially in developing countries. Increased fish production from fish farming is a major solution to the dietary protein shortage but compounded fish feed is expensive and may be out of the reach of the ordinary fish farmer. There is a need for a low-cost system of fish production to cater for the food needs of poor and at the same time maximize the utilization of resources. Integrated fish farming (IFF) is such a low-cost system and it involves the combination of fish farming with other human activities especially agriculture. This book lays down the basic concepts and practice of integrated fish farming in terms of the history, present status, necessity, types, combination ratios etc. Cost-benefit analyses of some IFF systems are also explored; the health risks to human beings and fish from IFF systems and water quality issues are also treated. The book will be of interest to students, researchers, farmers, extension agents, health authorities and the general public.