Participatory Monitoring Tool to Assess the Sustainability of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fish Farming in West Africa

Abstract

Sustainable freshwater aquaculture is crucial for food security and economic development in Africa, particularly in North West Africa’s less advanced countries. Existing complex monitoring methods are often impractical for these contexts due to technical and resource limitations. We developed and tested a localised tool to evaluate the sustainability of tilapia farms across diverse agroecological zones in Senegal. The approach involved engaging farmers in a participatory process to identify context-relevant indicators for the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of tilapia farming. These indicators were scored to create a composite sustainability index. Key sustainability challenges identified included a lack of technical support, profitability issues, inadequate environmental management, and social welfare concerns. However, we found promising potential for integrated community-based farms. The sustainability indicators inform policies and practices that promote localised sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa, while considering smallholder farms’ unique needs and characteristics. These assessments contribute to implementing targeted interventions, improved resource management, and enhanced social and environmental outcomes in the freshwater farming industry. Collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders can significantly contribute to developing sustainable aquaculture practices, though successful implementation requires specific, medium-term practice programmes. The tool successfully discriminated between farm types, with intensive private farms scoring highest overall (up to 73% of the maximum sustainability score), while extensive farms in the southern region scored lowest (≈40%). The study demonstrates the value of participatory, context-specific tools for diagnosing sustainability and guiding improvements in African aquaculture.