Abstract

The significance of fish farming in the improvement of the livelihoods of Zambians cannot be
overemphasized. It provides a cheap source of protein which is an essential nutrient in human
beings, creates employment, and provides income for households. Zambia has a very favorable
climate and several sources of water for fish farming but statistics show that current fish
production can barely meet the market demand.

Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate The Impact of Start-up-costs and Risks
on The Success of Entrepreneurs in the Fish Farming Industry on the Copper-belt Province
of Zambia. The objectives of the study are, to find out the possible start-up costs in the fish
farming industry, to assess the effect of start-up-costs investment and growth of the fish farming
industry, to identify the possible risks faced by fish farmers, to determine the influence risks
have on the success of the fish farming industry and to investigate the measures that should be
put in place to mitigate the risks.

The study design used in the research is qualitative design; the data will be collected from 30
respondents using face-to-face interviews from respondents from Ndola, Luanshya, Masaiti,
Mufulira.

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 Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ i
List Of Acronymes ......................................................................................................................... iv
CHAPTER ONE .............................................................................................................................. i
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ i
1.2 Background Of The Study...................................................................................................... i
1.3 Problem Statement ................................................................................................................ ii
1.4 Research Aim ....................................................................................................................... iii
1.4.1objectives ........................................................................................................................ iii
1.4.3 Research Questions........................................................................................................ iii
1.5 Identification of Variables .................................................................................................... iii
1.5.1 Independent variables .................................................................................................... iv
1.5.2 Dependent variables ...................................................................................................... iv
1.6 Scope and Limitations .......................................................................................................... iv
1.7 Literature Review .................................................................................................................. v
1.7.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................ v
1.7.2 Historical Perspectives of fish farming industry in Zambia ........................................... v
1.7.3 Theoretical Review ........................................................................................................ vi
1.7.4 Catch and Hold theory ................................................................................................... vi
1.7.5 Start-Up-Costs and their Influence on Fish farming ..................................................... vi
1.7.6 Risks in Fish Farming .................................................................................................. viii
1.7.7 Impacts of Risks on Fish Farming entrepreneurs. ......................................................... ix
1.7.8 Measures to mitigate effects from the Risks .................................................................. x
1.7.9 Theoretical framework ................................................................................................... x
1.7.10 Gaps in the literature.................................................................................................. xiii
1.8. Methodology ..................................................................................................................... xiii
1.8.1 Research design ........................................................................................................... xiii
1.8.2 Setting of the Study ..................................................................................................... xiv
1.8.3 Research Instruments ................................................................................................... xiv

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 1.8.4 Sampling and Sample Size .......................................................................................... xiv
1.8.5 Validity and Reliability Measures ................................................................................ xv
1.8.6 Ethical Issues ................................................................................................................ xv
1.8.7 Data processing procedures .......................................................................................... xv
1.8.8 Proposed Chapters of the Report ................................................................................. xvi
Appendix: A ................................................................................................................................. xvi

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 List of Acronyms

ADB: African Development Bank.

FAO: Food and Agricultural Organization.

CSO: Central Statistics Office

WHO: World Health Organization

GDP: Gross Domestic Products.

GRZ: Government of the Republic of Zambia.

JFRO. Joint Fish Research Organization

LDC: Least Developed Countries.

PMRC: Policy Monitoring and Research Centre.

TOC: Theory of Constraints.

TOP: Theory of Production.

UNIP: United Independence Party

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction
This chapter intends to give a background of performance in the fish farming industry in Zambia,
in order to give a clear background and help the reader to acquire the insight of the subject
matter. This section 1.2 provides a background of the problem of performance in the fish farming
sector through which this research shall be justified. Section 1.3 will provide the objectives that
are going to be achieved by this study, coverage and definition of the variable. Furthermore, in
section 1.7 it shall review literature to provide a basis for this study. Lastly, in section 1.8 the
methodology that shall be outlined in order to show how research questions will be answered.

1.2 Background of The Study

Fish farming playing a role in improving the livelihoods of people cannot be emphasized more,
especially in least developed countries (LDCs). Statistics confirm that 41% of the people
inhabiting these areas are employed in the fish farming industries, their food security and even
nutrients have seen gigantic improvement, more so, studies confirms that fish farming
significantly contribute to the countries sources of export. In Nepal studies have shown that the
fish farming industry’s contributions to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) was as 2.68
percent (Shrestha, 2012). This is a very significant contribution to the economy which should not
be neglected.

In terms of growth opportunities Arru et al (2019) acknowledged the fact that there is an ever
growing demand for fish products world over. Statistics reveal that over 100 million tons of fish
are produced globally with a worth value of $170 billion in percentage translating into forty one
percent (41%) of the fish population. Furthermore, the projection has also indicated that as of
2030 the demand will increase by 21% which is a very significant growth in the market that
might not be sustainable through natural water bodies. Mohammed and Wahab (2013) who
confirmed that world over there is a drastic reduction in the population of fish in the natural
water bodies, that is, in seas, lakes, rivers and oceans and attributed this decline to the poor
fishing methods there by threatening the future of fish farming. as means of, counteracting the
above challenges countries are encouraging more and more people to invest in the fish farming
sector and Zambia is one of such countries. (GRZ, 2019)

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In the case of Zambia, according the policy monitoring and research centre (PMRC) report, it has
revealed that Zambia is the sixth largest producer of fish precuts in the region. Nonetheless,
research has shown that the current fish production is unable to meet local market demand for
fish products. Statistics indicate that in 2015 Zambia had the potential to produce up to 150, 000
tonnes, unfortunately currently they are only able to produce only 100, 000 metric tonnes of fish.
Because of this failure to meet demand in 2015 Zambia imported 77, 199 and in 2016 126, 345
an indication of a rapid growth of the demand for the fish products (Nyemba, 2018). Therefore,
this clearly underscores the necessity for more investment and more entrepreneurs need to
capitalize on the current fish demand, market and invest in the fish farming sector.

Research has shown that Zambia’s aquaculture industry has not yet fully transformed into one of
the chief income generating activity for the rural and peri-urban farmers. This is due to the fact
that small scale ponds have continued to experience low productivity (African Development
Bank, 2016), and poor stocking, fertilization, poor maintenance are reasons cited to be behind the
poor productivity in the sector. Since the small-scale farmers have continued to produce less,
many farmers who would want to join the sector have been discouraged to invest in the sector
(Mudenda, 2009; ibid, 2016). Most of the research that have been consulted have not given due
attention to the impact that start-up cost and risks on the success of the industry in Zambia.

At provincial level there is not much information on the performance of the fish farming sector
on the Copper-belt province of Zambia. However, in a survey by CSO in 2019, showed that in
2017 Copper-belt had about 411.7 households engaged in fish farming and in the year 2018 the
number doubled to with 902 households involved in the fish farming representing 9.4 % from
7.4% in the previous year. (GRZ, 2019) Although this tremendous growth was recorded there is
still a problem.

1.3 Problem Statement

Zambia’s fish farming sector significantly contributes greatly to the improvement of the
livelihoods of many people. (Mudenda, 2009) It provides a cheap source of proteins, creates
employment, provides source of income for both the country and the households. Nonetheless,
studies show that the current fish supply in Zambia has failed to meet the demand. This has been
attributed to a number of challenges such as cost of inputs, climatic condition and lack of
information which has forced the policy makers to make decisions based on out dated or obsolete

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information. (GRZ, 2019) In addition Mudenda (2009) has argued that information in the fish
farming sector is limited due to lack of up- to date statistics to make informed decisions. (Ngaji,
Ngati and Hukas, 2015; Nyemba, 2018) The research also shows that fish farming industry has
great business potential, with demand standing at about half of the total amount of the locally
produced food. Yet the investment in the fish farming sector still seems to be low and the factor
behind this reduction has not been clearly explained. More so, scholarly works have confirmed
that there are several risks that affect the aquaculture or fish farming industry globally. These
factor are not universal, rather they vary from country or region to region. However, the major
risk that threatens and influence fish farming on the Copper-belt remains unknown. Therefore,
this study shall be carried out to resolve the identified issues.

1.4 Research Aim

The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of start-up costs and risks on the success of
entrepreneurs in the fish farming industry on the Copper-belt region.

1.4.1 Research Objectives

i. To find out the possible start-up costs in the fish farming industry.
ii. To assess the effect start-up-costs investment and growth of the fish farming industry.
iii. To identify the possible risks faced by fish farmers.
iv. To determine the influence risks have on the success of the fish farming industry
v. To investigate the measures that should be put in place to mitigate the risks.

1.4.3 Research Questions

i. What is the possible start-up costs incurred in the fish farming industry?
ii. What effect do start-up costs have on the success of the fish farming industry?
iii. What are the main risks fish farmers are faced with?
iv. What effect does the risks faced by fish farmers have on their success?
v. What measures should be put in place to mitigate the risks faced by fish farmers?

1.5 Identification of Variables

In social sciences many terminologies may be defined and explained differently by different
people. However, in this research both the independent and dependent variables will be
identified as follows;

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1.5.1 Independent variables
Start-up costs: In this research will imply the things that entrepreneurs require for him to engage
in fish farming. (Pastula Media, 2007)

Risks: in this paper will mean anything that has the potential to negatively affect the success of
entrepreneurship in fish farming. (Erondu and Anyanwu, 2005)

1.5.2 Dependent variables

In this research the following terminologies shall be identified as follows;

Entrepreneurs: an entrepreneur is a person who exploits opportunities available in the market

through being innovative and creative and willing to take risks. (Schempeter, 1965)

Fish farming: fish farming refers to process of rearing fish for food, business, and recreation
other purposes. (Mohammed and Wahab, 2013)

Fish farming industry: fish farming industry in this paper is taken as an economic activity
concerned with producing, processing of fish for consumption, bossiness, recreation or any other
purposes. (Mohammed and Wahab, 2013)

1.6 Scope and Limitations

The studies have indicated that the demand for fish is ever increasing and the supply of fish still
seems to be much less when compared to the demand. Bearing this truth in mind, this study will
identify the major start-up-costs in fish farming, the influence it has on entrepreneurs in the fish
farming industry, determine the risks in the fish farming industry, investigate the influence this
has on the fish farming industry and ascertain measures that should be put in place to prevent the
risks from happening. The study will be conducted on the Copper-belt region of Zambia,
targeting, Masait, Mpongwe, Luanshya, Mufurira and Ndola. Copper-belt is chosen because
statistics show that it is one of the areas that have a number of fish farmers to provide answers to
these questions. More so, Copper-belt is regarded as one of large producers of fish. Hence, they
are in the position to give the necessary data. Accessing information on fish farming in Zambia
was a great challenge. However, through the use of research by some of the international
research institutions has helped eliminate this challenge.

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1.7 Literature Review
1.7.1 Overview
Cresswell (2005) state that examining and analyzing literature in the area of study as a cardinal
or fundamental part of academic research. It presents the necessary insights and understanding of
these researches cardinal contribution to the context of the research and scale down the extent or
coverage. Arguably, examining literature is significant as knowledge of other people’s efforts
with regard to the particular field is gained. In this segment of the research various literatures
will be examined with regard to the historical perspective of the area of understudy, major
philosophies, ideologies, trends and the major problems of the study. Lastly the findings in
relation to the study shall be brought out through this analysis.

1.7.2 Historical Aspects of fish farming in Zambia

Mudenda (2009) in his research entitled “Assessment of National Aquaculture Policies and
Programmes in Zambia”, reports the historical initiation, development and growth of the fish
farming industry to the level at which it is today. In his research he reported that fish farming
roots can be traced back to 1940 when JFRO conducted a pilot project. From there the sector
started to grow even though the growth was sluggish or slow (p. 17). Maguswi (1994) reports
that as of 1966 there an hectors of 100 which produced 88 metric-tons of fish. Out of the 88,
12.5% was produced by the small- farmers whereas 76 came from the commercial farmers.

Mudenda ( 2009) further reports that after the aforementioned periods of slow growth, the sector
started to fall sharply. In other words there was a reduction in the fish production, perhaps this
could be attributed to the socialistic economic policies adopted by the UNIP in the year 1968,
such as price controls on food items which forced many commercial farmers to pull out of
aquaculture farming. In the same vein African Development Bank (2016) in the report entitled
“Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project, presented that the fish farming sector has in the
recent years attracted major companies who have engaged into capital intensive farming
compared to family based and labour intensive small-scale farming.” In 1971 the per capita
consumption of fish was 14.9kg though it has drastically declined over the past decades.

In the area of policy and development of aquaculture, GRZ (2019) in the 2017/2018 livestock
and aquaculture census report, government acknowledged that the policies decisions made are

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based on obsolete statistics. Since independence, The Government of the Republic of Zambia
conducted only two standalone aquaculture census, that is in 1971/1972 and 1991/1992
respectively. This literature has brought a very important area that needed to be explored further.
In further researches the feedback and information in turn has explained the reason perhaps why
the sector still struggles to improve in Zambia, because wrong information produces wrong
decisions which lead to wrong actions. With all these historical understandings, it is imperative
that the philosophies or theories play a major role behind the genesis and growth of the sector.

1.7.3 Theoretical Review

There is theoretical backing on the start and growth of the fish farming sector around the globe.
One of such theories that have been propounded to give this explanation is the biological theory
of fisheries management by Scherfer (1954). The theory premise that when the population grow,
the efforts for fishing also enhances. As a result they exert pressure on the existing natural
sources of fish and stocks in them. Therefore, maintenance is very vital to avoid the depletion of
stocks. The theory is advocating for a sustainable ways of ensuring that the fish stock does not
get depleted in the natural water bodies in this case fish farming and entrepreneurs have a key
role to play to prevent this from happening. (FAO, 2011) This theory justifies why there is need
for more investment in the fish farming sector.

1.7.4 Catch and Hold Theory

This theory premises that fish and other aquaculture products are very valued. In the olden day’s
people in authorities or rulers created areas in which they kept water, for preservation, recreation
and protecting their cities from enemies, in other words these areas were not for fish production.
Nonetheless, it was realized that rulers kept on asking for fish throughout the year regardless of
the season they were in. therefore, the people around there authorities started looking for a all
year round production of fish. Due to this they started stocking fish in the water areas some died
and some survived. From there they started keeping sufficient fish stocks and feeding them.
Consequently, modern fish farming resulted. This explains the history behind fish farming and
its evolvement to the modern day’s aquaculture industry.

1.7.5 Start-Up-Costs in Fish farming

In the study by Patrick and Kagiri (2016) on the evaluation of factors that affects sustainability of
fish farming projects in public schools. The study pointed out that start up inputs among them,

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water supply, feed, disease control and pests, transportation costs and storage facilities
construction costs. The study revealed that these costs affect investment and the growth of the
fish farming industry. Genschick et al. (2017) affirmed this fact in his research finding when he
discovered that the cost on seeds (fingerlings) and feed have become high such that only
commercial farmers can afford to purchase them. In other words small scale farmers stand less or
no chances to engage in meaningful fish farming. This was further supported in the findings that
very small households are into fish farming and their production is very low. This low
production as reported to be affected by several factors in which production cost were among the
major challenges.

Engle and Stone (2002) supported this revelation when they argued that farmers start slow and
those who work hard grow and eventually become profitable and make further investment thus
ensuring growth and sustainability. This means that starting the fish farming business is vital to
the success of the fish farming industry. That is why this research wants to see if in the Zambian
industry startup cost has a bearing on the sector. Results pointed to costs such as site selection,
pond construction, feed storage facilities construction, water supply and equipment as some of
the startup cost that affect fish farmers production. Although these cost may differ from country
to country the findings of this study cannot be generalized to every country they are done in an
individual country, perhaps Zambia’s condition may be peculiar, that is why this study is
necessary.

In the analysis by Tunde et al (2015) entitled “Economic analyze of costs and return of fish
farming in Sake- East Local Government area of Oyo state in Nigeria.” It was revealed that fish
farming was very profitable in that if a person invests N129379.52 k was able to realize
N244364.30 k. The study further indicated that for an investment of a single Naira was able to
generate N88.8k. in other words there was a direct relationship between the input and output.
Cobb and Dauglous (1928) support this fact that there is a direct relationship between the amount
of capital invested in the business and the profits made. Perhaps thinking about this may help us
understand why despite the opportunity people still do not invest in the sector.

In the same vein, Jacobi (2013) “examined the potential for fish farming to improve the
livelihood of people in kanya.” The study observed that fish farming had the potential to
improve people’s lives. Fish farming provided source for cheap proteins and household incomes.

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The production was very low and the profits made were due to the subsidization of the farming
inputs. The government provided start-up-expenses such as ponds. However, this was not
sustainable and he argued that the moment the government pulls out the fish farming will be
discontinued. As farmers had their input given to them without GRZ giving them the necessary
skills to source inputs on their own. Lichtkoppler (1993) found that lack of capital to invest in
fish farming business held the majority to engage in the fish farming business.

1.7.6 Risks in Fish Farming

The term risk is sometimes used interchangeably with hazards. They are defined as anything that
has the potential to influence the attainment of set goals or has the potential to cause harm or
danger to life or property. (Anyanwa and Erondu, 2005) Scholars in fish farming have confirmed
that there a numerous risks that affect fish farmers worldwide. Anyanwa and Erondu (2005)
clustered and presented occupational, social-economic, financial, food safety and public health as
factors that affect the fish farming sector.

Similarly, a study by Lind et al. (2015) classified the risks faced by fish farmers into biotic, a
biotic, socio-economic, pathogens, world calrias species other fish species and predators,
Zooplanktons, phytoplankton’s as the risk that impact the fish farming sector. In the Arbiotic
class I was quality of water, detritus, socio-economic, recreational fishing from capture fisheries
and fish surveillance, commitment cost or scientific support as possible risks farmers faced.

Furthermore, FAO (2018) in its pilot programmes on the applicability of aquaculture pointed
that, management risks pose serious threats on fish entrepreneurs in the fish business and affects
productivity at large. Planning was one of the major management risks; people started farming
without necessarily understanding what is required and prepare the necessary resources. WHO
(1989) and WHO (1999) reported that the risk that affect the fish farming business include
environmental and socio-economic factors. They further revealed that, predators, quality of
water, extreme weather conditions, fish diseases and infiltration quality, pollution either water
nor air pollution impact the fish production. This research can be generalized to the whole world
since it is a global report; nonetheless, this was conducted long ago as the sector progresses it is
possible that new risk can be found. That is why this study is being carried out.

viii
Ngaji, Ngati and Hukas (2015) studied the “factors affecting the profitability of fish farming in
Kenya.” they established that fish farming had potential for profitability and improvement of
livelihoods. The sector was facing several and lack of access to market which hampered effective
sales of the products, predators and people hardly had access to technical information and lack of
access to extension services threatens their success. These studies have highlighted several risks
farmers face but the there is limited information on the risks fish farming sector is facing in
Zambia which this research will bring out.

1.7.7 Impact of Risks on Fish Farming Entrepreneurs.

As pre-empted earlier, risks have the potential to cause harm or affect the attaining of the desired
goals, (Anyanwa and Erondu, 2005) Several studies back up this statement, one such study is the
one conducted by Golder et al. (2016) to assess the potential of environmental and social risks on
the sustainability which entails meeting the current fish demands without compromising the
future’s. They pointed out those environmental factors such as deforestation caused soil erosion
which caused water sedimentation, and affected aquatic life in various ways. They caused the
reduction in the breeding areas and also resulted into the uncontrolled growth of water plants.
Furthermore, the researchers contended that diseases are another factor the cause the fish to die.
Consequently the yield or stock produced reduced and the disease was detrimental to the health
of the people. On the other hand, research proved that the quality of water produced causes
serious problems, due to contaminated water, there was an outbreak of diseases, death of fish in
the ponds, stunted growth, poor feed management. Sometimes it is not about the quality of water
but the quantity can cause the problem as it over crowding which can cause the aforementioned
problems. These risks are task oriented and they neglect the influence they have on personnel in
charge of fish farming.

In the study by WHO (1999) they pointed out that risk especially physical will affect workers in
several ways. For example, they discovered that they exposed workers to various diseases such
as occupational asthma, they also exposed them to snake bites and fish bites. It was also
concluded that the use of chemicals used in the production process such as disease control in
farms cause pollution of water and air on workers. This consideration is important because if
workers are ill the production will go down and some of the resources will be channeled towards
treatment and neglect reduces investment in the sector.

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1.7.8 Measures to mitigate effects from the Risks
In counteracting the disastrous influence of risk on the fish farming industries, researchers and
experts have devised methods that can be employed to achieve the aforesaid goal. African
Development Bank (2016) identified solutions that can be applied to mitigate the risks and
promote or encourage entrepreneurs in the fish farming industry’s productivity and profitability.
The noted that there is need to increase fingerlings production as a solution to a short supply of
fingerlings. They also presented that there is need to bring on board the commercial banks to
offer loans to fish farmers , this will enable farmers to engage in serious fish farming and are
likely to invest more and the sector or industry is likely to grow.

Similarly, Lind et al (2015) argued that there should be proper guidelines in place on how to
prevent risk in the fish farming industry. It was further presented that there is need for carrying
out continuous risk assessments or analyses. The benefit of so doing is that it gives an
understanding of the risks that the business is likely to face and solution to be employed. That is
why this study is relevant to the research as it is giving relevant solutions to the problem.

Erondu and Anyanwu (2005) discovered that there is the need to sensitize personnel on the
possible risks in the fish farming industry and how they can be avoided. More so, they contended
that workers should be provided with personal protection equipment (PPE) and make sure that
workers wear it every day they are involved in any work. Furthermore, the research indicated
that the workers who are exposed to chemicals need to be sent to the hospital for medical
checkup, this will enable the organization and they workers to detect the problem easily and help
the workers to select the appropriate treatment at a right time.

1.7.9 Theoretical framework

1.7.9.1 Theory of Production (TOP).

This research is based on Cobb and Douglas (1928) theory of production. The reason for
choosing this theory is because this study aims at investigating the start-up cost impact on the
success of the fish farming industry. The premise of this theory is that the amount of capital is
injected in a business has influence on the amount of output realized. In this case the amount of
fish harvested is affected by the amount of capital that one injects in the business. In other words
the more one invests in the fish farming the higher the production and growth and if one invest

x
nothing productivity will not be achieved the same can be said for profitability and success. That
is why start up costs and their influence on the fish farming sector is based on this understanding.

1.7.9.2 Theory of Constraints (TOC)

This research will utilize the theory of constraints propounded by Goldratt (1999) to provide the
basis for this study. This is premised on the need to apply business activities or actions that best
help cope with constraints or barriers that impede the attainment of objectives. The main thrust
of the TOC is efficiency optimization. The main purpose of TOC is to selectively implement the
most significant points thereby optimizing the efficiency, profitability and quality of the
business. In a nutshell, the theory is aimed at maximizing profits and the utilization of the limited
resources. The research is focusing on start-up-cost and risk, their impact and ways of managing
the challenges in order to attract more investment, productivity, profitability and success.

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1.7.9.3 Conceptual Framework
Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Start-up-costs
 Site selection and pond
construction
 Labour costs
 Fingerlings and feed
 disease and pests
control
 Storage facility
construction  Increased productivity
 Market access  Profitability
 Transport  Food security
 Income
 Investments
 Fish exports
 Growth of the industry
Risks
 Market inaccessibility
 Lack of financial
resources
 Diseases
 Predators
 Pathogens
 Socio-economic
 Climate changes
 Water quality and
pollution

Figure: 1 framework for impact of start-up-cost and risks on fish farming, Source: Self-developed conceptual framework

xii
The theoretical framework depicts the impact of start-up-costs and risk on the success of
entrepreneurs in the fish farming industry. The framework is made up of start-up-cost and risks
as independent variable the cause change in the success of the fish farming industry. They
include things like feed, labour costs, medicines for disease control, technologies, ponds and
dams as well as transport costs. On the other hands risks such as climate change, inaccessibility
of the market, lack access to financial services like loans, shortage of fingerlings (Nguji, Ngati
and Hukas, 2004; Ngaji and Manyala, 2015). These influence the dependant variables such as
growth of the business, profitability, enhance income, food security and productivity among
other variable to be proved through this research or study.

1.7.10 Gaps in the literature

There are several factors gaps that have been brought out in the literature review. The literature
acknowledged that there is an information gap regarding the fish farming industry in Zambia.
For most of the literatures are studies done in other countries and Zambian farmers may be
facing challenges peculiar to it. Most of these studies were done just in one part of the country
which cannot be generalized to all the countries. In addition, the factors that may affect one
country may not be the same as that affect another and studies did not bring that fact out, they
treated all the countries as one. Issues like environmental factors that affect fish farming in
Kenya may not be the same as Zambia. Therefore, these gaps will be closed up through
conducting this research.

1.8. Methodology

1.8.1 Research design

The research shall use a qualitative research design. A qualitative analysis is a non-experimental
research design that does not change a phenomenon under study but merely examines and
provide possible suggestions to improve the situations (William, 2011). It uses a systematic
collection and presentation of data in order to have a clear picture of a given situation or
problem. Furthermore, this research design requires a greater degree of accuracy and precision in
the manner in which events are reported (Ibid, 2012). Therefore, our research used this type of a
design because it is investigating the impacts start-up cost and risks have on the success of the
entrepreneurs and provided some solutions and informed recommendations. This made this
design appropriate for this research.

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1.8.2 Setting of the Study
This study shall be conducted on the Copper-belt province of Zambia. It will focus on four
districts, namely Masaiti, Luanshya, Ndola and Mufurila Districts. In these areas only farmers,
extension officer and official from line ministry within the aforesaid territory will participate in
this study. Copper-belt will be considered because it one of the largest producing regions in
Zambia. (GRZ, 2019) based on this fact the researcher is confident that relevant and reliable
information shall be obtained.

1.8.3 Research Instruments

In this research, an interview guides will be used to collect data from key informants. An
interview guide refers to the instrument used in the collection of qualitative data. It is made up of
a list of questions that the interviewer asks respondents during an interview (Connaway and
Powell, 2009). In addition, an interview guide uses open ended questions which are phrased in a
non-suggestive way. This allows respondents to express themselves and give room to an
interviewer to clarify the responses. Since the questions are listed down, it creates room for
uniform questions for all respondents. Therefore, this research will be purely qualitative it shall
use the above mentioned instrument to collect data from respondents. The aforementioned
features of the interview guide make it suitable for this study. This instrument is vital because it
provides primary data that comes as first-hand information.

1.8.4 Sampling and Sample Size

This study will consider fish farmers and extension officers and officials from the ministry of
fisheries. All the respondents will be given the instruments of data collection stated below. Gobi
and Lincoln (1994) regard a sample as a selected group of people from which facts are collected
to be used in a study. In this case data will be collected from 30 respondents in total. Face-to-face
interviews will be conducted to five people from each selected area and three extension officers
and three officials from the ministry of fisheries. The sampling methods that are going to be used
are non-probability sampling. A snowball sampling technique shall be used, that is each
respondent will be asked to identify another fish farmer in the area and these will form part of the
sample. The process will continue until the required sample size is attained.

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1.8.5 Validity and Reliability Measures
On one hand, reliability means the degree to which tools used in measuring in a research
contains variable errors that seem to be incompatible form one observation to the other in any
measurement (Croswell, 2009). This study will test the reliability for compatibility of variables
and indicate the fact that variables are necessary for further quantitative examination. On the
other hand, validity looks at the degree to which tools utilized in the research successfully
measure the intended issues (Gobi and Lincoln, 1994). In the case of this research interview
questions shall be pretested before using them in the actual collection of data. The idea behind
testing the tools is to eliminate biasness in the process of data collection which may result into
subjective generalizations.

1.8.6 Ethical Issues

Ethics in research is basically concerned with the way the researcher treats people involved. In
this research respondents are assured of utmost respect as they will have the right to withdraw at
any point they feel like doing so. In other words participation shall be voluntary (William, 2011).
In addition, the identity of the respondents shall be treated with confidentiality and anonymity.
Respondents will be assured that the information collected shall be used for pure academic
purposes.

1.8.7 Data processing procedures

Since the research will be purely qualitative, the techniques that shall be used to analyze data are
purely qualitative. In this case, thematic analysis will be employed were themes shall be
identified, examined and interpreted. According to Williams (2011), thematic analysis is the
technique used in qualitative data analysis. It involves identifying and drawing up common
themes across the interview and citing direct quotation in the main body of the report. Meaning
all the common responses given by respondents will be looked at. Based on these commonalities
generalizations will be drawn and findings presented in a narrative form with directly quoting the
respondents answers in certain areas. Since this report will be purely qualitative. Therefore,
thematic analysis is appropriate for analyzing qualitative data; it will be used in this research.

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1.8.8 Proposed Chapters of the Report

Chapter No. Scope of the Chapter

Chapter 1 Introduction, background, research problem, purpose of the study,
objectives of the study, research questions, identification of variables,
scope and limitations of the study, Literature review, and methodology
Chapter 2 Presentation and discussion of objective 1
Chapter 3 Presentation and discussing objective 2
Chapter 4 Presentation and discussion of objective 3
Chapter 5 Presentation and discussion of objective 4
Chapter 6 Conclusion and recommendations.

xvi
 APPENDIX: A

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Aquaculture development and research in Sub Sahara Africa. CIFA Technical paper Suppl. 23.
Food and Agriculture Organisation, Rome.

African Development Bank (2016) aquaculture Enterprise Developmetn Project, Zambia: OSAN,
SARC and ZMFO.

Arru, B. et al (2019) The Introduction of Insect Meal into Fish Diet: The First Economic
Analysis on Europian Sea Bass Farming. Italy: University of Turin.

Cobb, C. W. and Douglas, P. H. (1928) A Theory of Production, the American Economic

Review, 18(1), 139-169.

Connaway, S. L. and Powell, R. R, (2010) Basic Research Methods for Librarians, 5th ed.
Oxford, England: Greenwood.

Creswell , W, J. (2009) Research Design: Quantitative and Mixed Mehtods Approach. London:
SAGE.

Engle, R. C. and Stone, N. (2002) Costs of Small-Scale Catfish Production, Submitted to

Southern Region Agriculture Center (SRAC).

Erondu, E. S. and Anyanwu, P. E. (2005) Potential Hazards and Risks Associated with the
Aquaculture Industry. African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 4(13) pp. 1622-1627.

FAO ( 2011), Aquaculture farmer organizations and cluster management: Concepts and
experiences, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper. No. 563, FAO,
Rome, p. 90.

FAO (2012). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2012. Rome: Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations.

FAO (2018) Impact of Climate Change on Fisheries and Aquaculture. Rome.

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Genschick, S. et al. (2017) Aquaculture in Zambia: An Overview and Evaluation of the Sectors
Responsiveness to the needs of the Poor. Research Programmes on Fish.

Gobi, E. and Lincoln, Y. (2005) Pragmatic contravesies, Contradictions and Emerging

Confluencies. In Dentin, N. K . and Lincoln, Y. S. (Ends), The SAGE Handbook of
Qualitative research. 3rd ed., Pp191-215. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Gobi, E. and Lincoln, Y. (2005) Pragmatic contravesies, Contradictions and Emerging

Confluencies. In Dentin, N. K . and Lincoln, Y. S. (Ends), The SAGE Handbook
of Qualitative research. 3rd ed., Pp191-215. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Golder Associates (2016) Environmental and Social Due Diligency. Rome.

Goldratt, E. M. (1993) what is the Theory of Constraints? AIPICS-the Performance Advantage,

Printed in Selected Readings in Constraints Management Falls Church, VA: APICS.

GRZ (2019) The 2017/2018 Livestock and Aquaculture census report. Central Statistics Office.

Jacobi, N. (2013) Examining the Potential of Fish Farming to Improve the Livelihoods of
Farmers in the Lake Victoria Region, Kanya: University of Akureyri.

Lind, C. E. et al.(2015) Risk analysis in aquaculture: A step-by-step introduction with worked

examples. WorldFish, Penang, Malaysia. Manual: 2015-08.

Lusakatimes (20/02/2017) Why is Zambia Importing 40, 000 Tons of Fish every year,
www.lusakatimes.com/2017/02/28/Zambia accessed 3rd October, 2019.

Maguswi, C. ((1994). Aquaculture Research and development in Zambia. In: A.G. Coche (ed).
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Technical Paper, No.23 (Suppl.).

Mohammed, E.Y. & Wahab, A.,( 2013). Direct economic incentives for sustainable fisheries
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yassinmohammed/download&ei=7xUUVKeVDuzH7AbJ_YCoAQ&usg=AFQjCNG6klS

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ZGU. retrieved on:05/10/2019

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submitted to Sustainable Aqauculture Research Network in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Mudenda, H. G. (2009). Assessment of national aquaculture policies and programmes in Zambia.

Sustainable Aquaculture Research Networks in Sub Saharan Africa. EC FP7 Project.
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Musonda, F. F and Mukuka, G. C. (nd.) Current and Future Prospects of Commercial Fish
Farmingin Zambia, Kitwe: Copperbelt University.

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Pouomogne V,Brummett RE (eds) Aquaculture extension in sub-Saharan

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Shrestha, M. K. (2012) Small-Scale Aquaculture for Rural Livelihoods. Proceedings of the
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Challenges. Lusaka: Indaba on Agricultural Policy Research Institute.

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APPENDIX: B Interview Guide

Course code:

Topic: Impact of Start-up-costs and Risks on entrepreneurs in the Fish Farming Industry on the
Copperbelt.

Letter of Introduction

RE: To Whom it May Concern

I Zelelapi Nikiwe Kaemba a BBAE 4th year student at Mulungushi University invites you to
participate in this important study. I am carrying out a research on the “Impact of Start-Up-Costs
and Risks on Entrepreneurs in the Fish Farming Industry on the Copper-belt.” Please rest
assured that in this interview your name will not be indicated at any point. The responses given
shall be treated with utmost confidentiality. They are strictly for academic purposes and only the
researcher will have access to answers. I would like to solicit some information from you
through answering these interview questions.

xxi
DATE OF INTERVIEW……………………………………………………...........

INFORMANT’S OCCUPATION………………………………………………….

LOCATION………………………………………………………………………….

FARMER CATEGORISATION…………………………………………………..

1. How long have you been in the fish farming business?

2. Have you received any form of support from government or private organization? If yes,

what form of support did you receive?

3. Are you renting the ponds or dams you are using for production?

4. How has your yield been of late?

5. What are the major costs for starting a fish farming business?

6. In which ways do these start-up-cost affect your success in this business?

7. What are the risks that you face in the fish farming business?

8. In which ways do these risks affect your fish farming business?

9. What measures do you think should be put in place to prevent the risks that you

mentioned earlier?

10. Do you have any information that you feel you would love to share with me?

xxii
APPENDIX: B Interview Guide (Extension Officers and Official from the Ministry of
Fisheries)

Course code:

Topic: Impact of Start-up-costs and Risks on entrepreneurs in the Fish Farming Industry on the
Copper-belt.

Letter of Introduction

RE: To Whom it May Concern

I Zelelapi Nikiwe Kaemba a BBAE 4th year student at Mulungushi University invites you to
participate in this important study. I am carrying out a research on the “Impact of Start-Up-Costs
and Risks on Entrepreneurs in the Fish Farming Industry on the Copper-belt”. Please rest assured
that in this interview your name will not be indicated at any point. The responses given shall be
treated with utmost confidentiality. They are strictly for academic purposes and only the
researcher will have access to answers. I would like to solicit some information from you
through answering these interview questions.

xxiii
DATE OF INTERVIEW……………………………………………………...........

INFORMANT’S OCCUPATION………………………………………………….

LOCATION………………………………………………………………………….

POSITION…………………………………………………………………………..

1. How long have you been in this position?

2. How many small-scale and commercial fish farmers do we have on the Copper-belt?

3. How do you describe the fish market on the Copper-belt?

4. What are some of the programs that the government has put in place to support fish

farming on the Copper-belt?

5. What are some of the risks that fish farmers face on the Copper-belt?

6. How have these risks influenced the success and growth of the industry on the Copper-

belt?

7. What measures should be put in place to reduce or eliminate the risks mentioned earlier?

8. What are the major start-up-cost in the fish farming business?

9. In which ways do these start-up-cost affect the success of the fish farming business on

the Copper-belt?

10. In which ways has fish farming proved to be relevant to the Zambians living on the

Copper-belt?

11. What measures do you think should be put in place to prevent the above risks?

12. Do you have any information that you feel you would love to share with regard to fish

farming?

13.

xxiv
 APPENDIX: C

Proposed time frame

ACTIVITY Months in Weeks

SEP OCT NOV DEC
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Submission of topic and approval
Proposal submission
Data collection and analysis
Report writing
Submission of the Report

APPENDIX: D

Proposed Budget

Item ID Quantity Amount/unit in ZMK Total amount in ZMK

Reams of paper 2 70 200
Writing Pads 2 - -200
Pencils - - 20
Pens - - 20
Bounding - - 350
Photocopying - - 1000
Transport - - 800

Total Amount (ZMK) 2590

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