Exploring the potential of small water bodies as an integrative management tool for fisheries production

Understanding the potential of small water bodies (SWBs) will open greater opportunities in investment towards increased food and energy production. This study established the carrying capacity for fisheries development in SWBs in eight counties in Central and seven counties in Western Kenya. The carrying capacity of SWBs was calculated using socio-economic index (SI), trophic status index (TSI), and summaries of socio-economic and limnological data from 74 SWBs. The central region had a potential of 72,447 t in 37 sampled SWBs, whereas that of the western region had only 447 t in a similar number of sampled sites that forms part of the total national aquaculture potential. The higher potential in the central region is attributed to the relatively larger hydroelectric dams located in the area. To boost production in SWBs with low carrying capacities, restocking with native endemic fish species, which require limited or no supplementary feeding, is recommended. However, in SWBs, where depths reach 3.0 m or more, which optimises on intensive feeding and good water circulation, cage culture reared fish coupled with a strong local community association would be recommended. The indexing holistic approach herein forms an integrative management tool for fisheries production

Restocking of small water bodies for a post Covid recovery and growth of fisheries and aquaculture production:socioeconomic implications

Funding: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and The Government of Kenya through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) funded the restocking and data collection and processing.Restocking of fish in Small Water Bodies (SWBs) is one of the technologies that can be used to enhance fish-food production for post Covid recovery and growth in food security, and national development. The current study aimed at assessing the socioeconomic impact and stock performance of restocked Nile tilapia fingerlings in SWBs in 15 counties in the Western and Central regions where the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) is implemented. The study employed both primary and secondary data from socioeconomics, environmental characteristics and fisheries and aquaculture aspects. There was no restocked dam with a low (< 1.66) socioeconomic impact, indicating the potential for restocking. The majority (n = 27; 79%) of the restocked SWBs had a moderate (1.66 – 2.33) impact, owing to the inherent constraints of adoptability by the local community. Twenty one percent (n = 7; 21%) of the SWBs had a high (2.34 - 3.00) impact and with better environmental conditions. The average condition factor (K) of tilapia in restocked SWBs was 1.24 ± 0.53 SD, suggesting excellent fish growth condition. Notably, restocking the SWBs could benefit riparian fishing communities by improving their livelihoods and providing food and nutritional security. Given the limited exploitation of fish in most SWBs in the developing countries, additional community awareness and capacity building interventions are needed to enhance optimal use of SWBs in post Covid era.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe