Integrated aquaculture: Balancing food production systems and livelihoods in Kenya

Abstract

What potential does intensified fish production have to achieve sustainable food security and livelihoods in water-deficient areas? This chapter presents case studies of two investment models - a semi-intensive system and an intensive system - for integrating aquaculture and agricultural production in Kenya. Both benefitted from the government’s Economic Stimulus Program, whereby national aquaculture production rose from 1, 000 tonnes in 2006 to a peak of 24, 000 tonnes in 2014, and were able to remain in business when the support ceased. These two case studies indicate that aquaculture can provide environmental solutions for crop diversification that can have positive spill-over effects on local communities and contribute to improved food and nutrition. Policy recommendations for scaling-up sustainable aquaculture models include sustainable financial support mechanisms and a legal framework for ensuring standards and quality controls throughout the value chain from feed and fry to fresh water resource management.