Department of Fisheries and Natural Resources

Dataset for AABS baseline/characterization in Kenya (wp3)

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Dataset for AABS baseline/characterization in Kenya (wp3) Manyise, Timothy; Dompreh, Eric Brako; Juma, Fredrick .et al. This baseline study was conducted in October 2024 as part of the Asia Africa BlueTech Superhighway project. The study comprised of different modules: demographic characteristics, personal characteristics, market dynamics, fish loss assessment, current postharvest practices and challenges, climate and environment, training and capacity building on postharvest technologies, food and nutrition, gender empowerment, and poverty. The article can be accessed in full via: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/168767

Exploring regenerative aquaculture initiatives for climate-resilient food production: Harnessing synergies between technology and Agroecology

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Exploring regenerative aquaculture initiatives for climate-resilient food production: Harnessing synergies between technology and Agroecology Ogello, Erick; Muthoka, Mavindu; Outa, Nicholas This review evaluates regenerative aquaculture (RA) technologies and practices as viable pathways to foster resilient, ecologically restorative aquaculture systems. The key RA technologies examined include modern periphyton technology (PPT), biofloc technology (BFT), integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), and alternative feed sources like microalgae and insect-based diets. PPT and BFT leverage microbial pathways to enhance water quality, nutrient cycling, and fish growth while reducing environmental pollutants and reliance on conventional feed. IMTA integrates species from various trophic levels, such as seaweeds and bivalves, to recycle waste and improve ecosystem health, contributing to nutrient balance and reducing environmental impact. Microalgae and insect-based feeds present sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, promoting circular resource use and alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks. Beyond these technologies, RA emphasizes sustainable practices to maintain fish health without antibiotics or hormones. Improved disease monitoring programs, avoidance of unprocessed animal by-products, and the use of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, such as essential oils, are highlighted for their role in disease prevention and immune support. Probiotics are also discussed as beneficial microbial supplements that enhance fish health by promoting gut microbiota balance and inhibiting harmful pathogens. This review, therefore, marks an important and essential step in examining the interconnectedness between technology, agroecology, and sustainable aquaculture. This review was based on an extensive search of scientific databases to retrieve relevant literature. https://doi.org/10.3390/aquacj4040024

Exploring future scenarios for advancing low emission development in Kenyan aquatic food systems

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Exploring future scenarios for advancing low emission development in Kenyan aquatic food systems Ogello, Erick; Schindler, Lisa; Chan, Chin Yee.et al. This study aims to closely explore the potential of sustainable climate smart aquaculture (CSA) technologies, innovations and management practices (TIMPs) and sustainable fisheries management practices to reduce GHG emissions in Kenya while increasing climate resilience and boosting food production. In this paper, we used a mixed-methods approach for a systematic review process and a multistakeholder workshop that were conducted to explore future scenarios on the transformation and development of aquatic food systems. In Kenya, priority areas with high potential for low-GHG emissions in aquaculture include (i) selective breeding, (ii) solar powered recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), (iii) aquaponics, (iv) novel fish feed alternatives, such as biofloc technology (BFT), periphyton technology (PPT) and sustainable biowaste management using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), (v) integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA) and integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems (IMTAs). For capture fisheries, the main objective is to reduce fuel combustion and bottom contact while outlining the prospects of using fuel alternatives and limiting fishing efforts to reduce GHG emissions in the sector. Furthermore, post-harvest technologies support the addition of fish value and minimize food waste, while optimized processing efficiency reduces the release of GHG emissions. This paper recommends the formulation of supporting public and private sector policies that include incentives and capacity enhancement of local communities to encourage adoption and upscaling of CSA technologies. This will support the transition to low-GHG aquaculture production in Kenya’s aquaculture sector. In doing so, it will enhance food security while minimizing the negative impacts of fisheries and aquaculture on the environment. https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/065c8cd9-9216-4e52-86a0-cfb1f14f7ddc#:~:text=https%3A//hdl.handle.net/10568/163447

Nutritional Profile of Economically Valuable Fish Species in the Lake Victoria Basin: Implications for Food and Nutrition Security Among Local Communities

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Nutritional Profile of Economically Valuable Fish Species in the Lake Victoria Basin: Implications for Food and Nutrition Security Among Local Communities Munguti, JM; Muthoka, M; Iteba, J.O.et al Fish can help address human nutrient deficiencies but is often overlooked in nutrition policies due to insufficient evidence. This study evaluates the nutritional profiles of five economically significant fish species in the Lake Victoria Basin: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Nile perch (Lates niloticus), Silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies were screened based on their relevance, methodological rigor, and focus on moisture, ash, lipid, protein content, and fatty acid composition, resulting in the selection of 46 peer-reviewed studies published within the last 20 years. Nile tilapia contains 69.36%–80.03% moisture, 16.40%–23.47% protein, 0.08%–3.77% lipid, and significant omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (18.9%–33.0%). Nile perch exhibits similar moisture (67.30%–79.6%) and protein (15.93%–22.51%) levels, with lipid content of 0.59%–4.16% and omega-3 PUFAs (12.47%–33.0%). Silver cyprinid shows high variability in protein (15.44%–79.44%) and lipid (0.09%– 22.38%) content, with PUFAs comprising 21.68%–35.78%. African catfish has 69.16%–73.54% moisture, 19.93%–23.06% protein, and omega-3 PUFAs ranging from 27.9%–36.9%. Lungfish stands out for its fatty acid diversity, including 35.2%–49.2% PUFAs (13.0%–27.9% omega-3, 11.7%–30.0% omega-6). Although nutritional profiles vary due to environmental and biological factors, all species are nutrient-dense. Thus, promoting the sustainable harvesting and consumption of these fish can contribute substantially to improving dietary quality and nutrition security in communities reliant on Lake Victoria’s fisheries.

Historical Origin of Trout Farming in Kenya: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Historical Origin of Trout Farming in Kenya: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Prospects Kyule, Domitila; Munguti, Jonathan; Muthoka, Mavindu .et al Rainbow trout farming in Kenya remains an underdeveloped yet high-potential sector within the country’s aquaculture industry, despite the availability of suitable ecological conditions in high-altitude regions. This review critically examines the historical evolution, current status, challenges, and future prospects of rainbow trout farming in Kenya, drawing on comparative insights from leading rainbow trout-producing nations. Introduced during the early 20th century for sport fishing, rainbow trout aquaculture has gradually transitioned into a commercial enterprise, albeit at a limited scale. Despite increasing consumer demand and premium market value, the industry faces significant constraints, including inadequate seed supply, high feed costs, climate variability, weak market infrastructure, regulatory inefficiencies, and limited research and extension support. The reliance on imported fingerlings and feeds exacerbates production costs, making the sector less competitive. Furthermore, climate change-induced water scarcity and rising water temperatures threaten cold-water aquaculture, necessitating urgent adaptation strategies. Drawing lessons from global industry leaders, such as Norway, Chile, and India, this review highlights strategic interventions for optimizing Kenya’s rainbow trout farming industry, including strengthening hatchery systems, developing cost-effective local feed, enhancing climate-smart farming technologies, and establishing structured market linkages. Policy reforms and increased investment in research, extension services, and environmental conservation are crucial for unlocking the untapped potential of rainbow trout aquaculture. If effectively harnessed, rainbow trout farming could contribute significantly to national fish production, rural livelihoods, and economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1155/are/8816761

A synthesis of agroecology indicator frameworks and application for East Africa

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A synthesis of agroecology indicator frameworks and application for East Africa Ogello, Erick; Ogindo, Harun; Outa, Nicholas.et al. Agroecology has the potential to address food security and sustainability challenges in East Africa, but regional complexities require customized indicator frameworks that stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, extension services, local communities, policymakers, and agri-businesses, can easily adopt. However, many existing agroecological frameworks fail to integrate key aspects such as aquaculture and circular-water-energy systems. Specifically, seven of the nine reviewed frameworks do not include Integrated Aqua-Agriculture (IAA) metrics, creating a significant gap in agroecological assessments. Main Body: This review evaluates nine agroecological indicator frameworks for East Africa, focusing on their ability to monitor and support sustainable transitions in farming. These frameworks assess sustainability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, considering resource efficiency, biodiversity, soil health, and profitability. Frameworks such as the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework, Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), and Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems (SAFA) are recognized for their multiscale approach and alignment with regional priorities. Conclusion: While existing frameworks support agroecological transitions, challenges such as complexity, data availability, and resource demands may limit their accessibility. Among the reviewed frameworks, TAPE and SAFA are most suited for East Africa. TAPE’s participatory approach and focus on biodiversity and soil management are ideal for smallholder contexts, while SAFA’s comprehensive approach can guide national policy development. Policymakers should consider integrating frameworks like TAPE and SAFA to ensure community participation and holistic sustainability assessment. Simplifying data collection and embracing evolving sustainability concepts will be essential for advancing more inclusive and resilient agroecological systems in East Africa. https://doi.org/10.1079/ab.2025.0066

Optimizing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production: effects of substrate variation on biomass, nutritional quality, hatchability, fecundity, and frass quality

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Optimizing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production: effects of substrate variation on biomass, nutritional quality, hatchability, fecundity, and frass quality Ogello, Erick; Outa, Nicholas; Muthoka, Mavindu .et al Insects such as the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) are increasingly recognized for their potential to convert organic waste into high-quality protein and fertilizer inputs, contributing to circular bioeconomy models. However, the type of substrate used significantly affects BSF production performance. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1621034

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Aquaponics Enhances the Productivity of Fish and Crops: Trials on Nile Tilapia, African Catfish, Lettuce, Spinach and Basil

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Aquaponics Enhances the Productivity of Fish and Crops: Trials on Nile Tilapia, African Catfish, Lettuce, Spinach and Basil Outa, Nicholas; Ogello, Erick; K'Otuto, George This study investigated the efficiency of nutrient film technique (NFT) aquaponic systems in enhancing the productivity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach and basil) under aquaponic conditions. The study was conducted for 9 weeks at the Maseno University Fish Farm in Kenya. Identical tilapia-based and Catfish-based NFT setups were used, whereas soil-based crop cultivation and earthen fishpond systems served as controls. Mono-sex male tilapia and catfish fingerlings were stocked at an initial average length of 10 cm and weight of 50 g. The fish were stocked at a density of 60 fish/m3 and fed to satiation on a 35% crude protein formulated diet twice a day, whereas crops were transplanted after being raised for 20 days in the nursery and when they had at least three fully developed leaves. Fish growth in the NFT system was significantly better than in pond-based systems for tilapia and catfish. Tilapia achieved a final weight of 175 g and a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.44 in NFT, compared to a final weight of 129.86 g and an FCR of 2.1 in the pond-based system. Catfish had a significantly higher total yield in the earthen pond (15.4 kg/m3) than in the NFT system (12.5 kg/m3) (p < 0.05). Lettuce had significantly higher leaf area (179.9 cm2) and final yield (36 kg/m2) compared to spinach with leaf area (85.2 cm2) and yield (30.2 kg/m2), and basil with leaf area (38.0 cm2) and yield (5.7 kg/m2). The Tilapia NFT system demonstrated superior performance for fish and vegetable growth, performance and yield, water and nutrient use efficiency, and nitrogen recovery. This better performance is due to the better nutrient profile of tilapia waste compared to catfish and better adaptability to NFT systems compared to catfish.

Synergistic Microbial Interactions Between Algae and Bacteria Augment Growth and Immune Performance in Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Synergistic Microbial Interactions Between Algae and Bacteria Augment Growth and Immune Performance in Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Jimmy B Mboya, Felix Sugantham, Akshaya Panigrahi, Juliana L Gamba, Sevgan Subramanian, Shaphan Y Chia, Dennis Beesigamukama, Jonathan Munguti, Erick Ogello, Rodrigue Yossa, Chrysantus M Tanga This study investigated the effects of integrating biofloc with microalgae on growth performance and immune gene expression in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). The experiment consisted of four treatments: C (Biofloc), T1 (Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T2 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T3 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 2:1) in 500 L plastic tanks for 60 days. T2 and T3 exhibited the lowest ammonia and nitrite levels, respectively. T3 exhibited the highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b levels, while T2 showed the highest carotenoid content. T2 showed the highest weight gain (142 ± 0.7 g) and SGR (1.61 ± 0.02) and the lowest FCR (1.79 ± 0.009). T2 exhibited the highest gene expression levels in the intestine, with 7.8-fold upregulation of the cathepsin L (ctsl) gene, 3-fold upregulation of toll-like receptor 7 (tlr7), 6.7-fold upregulation of interleukin-1 b (il-1b), 4.7-fold upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-a), and 2.8-fold upregulation of metallothionein (mt). In the head kidney, the mt upregulation was highest in T3 (7.2-fold), while tnf-a and tlr7 upregulations were highest in T2 (5.9-fold and 5-fold, respectively). In the liver, the gene expressions were highest in T3, with 6.4-fold upregulation of mt, 5-fold upregulation of ctsl, 2.7-fold upregulation of tlr7, 3-fold upregulation of il-1b, and 5.4-fold upregulation of tnf-a. These results suggest a synergistic effect of algae and bacteria on immune and antioxidative capacity in red tilapia. Aquaculture Journal

Determinants of Households’ Resilience to Covariate Shocks: Empirical Evidence and Policy Implications from the Kenyan Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Determinants of Households’ Resilience to Covariate Shocks: Empirical Evidence and Policy Implications from the Kenyan Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors Ochieng, Silas; Ogello, Erick; Obiero, Kevin; Cheserek, Maureen This paper analyzes the factors influencing households’ resilience capacities to shocks within Kenya’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors and draws from primary data collected from 419 fish-dependent households across Kisumu, Busia, Mombasa, and Kilifi counties. The sample represents a total of 48,000 fishing households. The study adopted a quasi-longitudinal design and computed the household resilience capacity index (RCI) using the resilience index measurement and analysis (RIMA-II) model. The results indicate that male-headed households’ mean household RCI scores (mean = 45.07 ± 10.43) were statistically significant to that of female-headed households (mean = 38.15 ± 9.25), suggesting that female-headed households are associated with lower resilience capacities than male-headed households. Moreover, the study identifies differences in resilience levels across various occupations within the sector. For instance, RCI scores among fish traders (mean = 40.71 ± 9.97), a function performed mainly by women, statistically differed (p < 0.005) from male-dominated cage farming (mean = 48.60 ± 10.47), whereas RCI scores at the production level for fisher folks (mean = 44.89 ± 10.09) and pond farmers (mean = 44.04 ± 12.07) showed no statistical difference (0 > 0.05. Additionally, households with more income sources tend to have higher resilience capacities. Seasonality in fishing cycles limited households’ ability to recover from climate-induced shocks; the more months without fishing activity, the less the odds of recovery from shocks (OR = 0.532, 95% CI [0.163, 0.908], p = 0.022). Furthermore, households that lacked guaranteed market access and inputs during COVID-19 were less likely to recover during and after the shocks (OR = 0.401, 95% CI [0.161, 0.999], p = 0.05). Households organized in cooperatives with better access to credit showed a higher chance of recovery. The study recommends (a) adopting gender-sensitive approaches in fisheries and aquaculture interventions to empower women in trade, (b) strengthening policies to enhance access and adoption of climate-smart technologies such as cage fish farming, (c) promoting livelihood diversification to sustain households’ income during fishing off-seasons, and (d) enhancing market linkages in the fish value chain through coordinated producer organizations. Further research should explore the possibilities of introducing index-based weather insurance and other tested suitable safety nets for the fisheries and aquaculture sector.