Low-input cage culture: towards food security and livelihood improvement in rural Kenya

Abstract

Recent experiences and successes including the dwindling capture fisheries and global increase in aquaculture production have spurred interest in the development of commercial cage culture in Africa. This case study centres on cage culture of tilapia in Kenyan waters of Lake Victoria and in satellite dams within Lake Victoria’s catchment. It reports on unique challenges and the innovative ways in which Kenyan fish farmers and fishers have had to undertake to ensure success. Increased public concern and suspicion on the long-term environmental and ecological sustainability of cage-based farming systems in the lake has been a major area of concern. This study presents ways in which farmers and researchers have managed to rear caged fish with low input fish food and feed, provide quality fish seed, use locally available materials for making cages and ensure cage security. Cage culture can be beneficial in the Lake Victoria basin as emerging constraints are resolved.