Analysis of the productivity and fertility level of fish ponds in the city of Bumba in the DRC

Abstract

This study focuses on the analysis of productivity and fertility levels of fish ponds in the city of Bumba and its surroundings, Mongala Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite favorable natural potential due to an equatorial climate and a dense hydrographic network, fish production remains moderate, with an average productivity of about 2.4 tons per hectare per year, below international semi-intensive standards. Water visibility depth, an indicator of pond fertility, varies significantly and influences plankton biomass, a key factor of natural production. Observed fish farming practices predominantly involve semi-intensive aquaculture with partial use of supplementary feeding and insufficient fertilization, limiting yields. The pond exploitation duration is mostly one year, promoting the sustainability of aquatic resources. To improve productivity, controlled fertilization, appropriate supplementary feeding, strict management of fish stocking density, and regular water quality monitoring are recommended. These strategies would help optimize fish production and strengthen food security in the region.

Keywords: Productivity, fertility, fish ponds, semi-intensive aquaculture, supplementary feeding, DR Congo