Aquaculture: a promising solution for food insecurity, poverty and malnutrition in Kenya

Food insecurity remains one of the most visible dimensions of poverty. The increasing population amid competition for land and water resources means that the global demand for food will continue to increase. In Kenya, the food insecurity trend is worrying as the population is expected to hit 55 million by 2020 against an annually declining arable land per capita and consequent increase in food prices. The Kenyan agricultural sector has failed to either eliminate or reduce malnourishment for poor populations as the annual national production for both staple food and livestock products fall short of national consumption levels. The nutritional deficiency levels remain high among a significant segment of the Kenyan population. With increasing food production challenges such as dwindling capture fisheries and impacts of climate change becoming more eminent, solutions to food insecurity and malnutrition in Kenya must bring about quick results in food availability by stimulating more own-food production. Aquaculture has so far been recognized as an important opportunity to enhance household food security in developing countries. The existing literature reveals scattered but increasing evidence of the contribution of aquaculture to nutritional security through direct fish consumption and income stability among vulnerable groups through involvement in aquaculture value chain linkages. This paper reveals the status of food insecurity, poverty and malnutrition problems and discusses aquaculture initiatives as the remedial solutions. This paper also provides a framework for examining aquaculture’s value chain linkages to food and nutritional security and national economic growth by elucidating key pathways concerning the role of aquaculture in household food and income systems. The authors advocate for clear and sustainable national policies for aquaculture development to address food insecurity and poverty questions more sharply. More empirical evidence should be collected on the varied aquaculture opportunities to improve the income, employment and food consumption levels within the poor households.Key words: KMFRI, MDGs, Aquaculture, Food insecurity, Poverty, Kenya, Malnutrition, Fish, Agricultur

NUTRITIVE VALUE AND AVAILABILITY OF COMMONLY USED FEED INGREDIENTS FOR FARMED NILE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS L.) AND AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS, BURCHELL) IN KENYA, RWANDA AND TANZANIA

ABSTRACT Commonly utilized feed ingredients for culture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda were collected over a period of six months (January -June 2010) and evaluated for their nutritive composition through proximate analysis. Most of the fish feed ingredients were found in all the three countries except a few that were unique to one or two countries as detailed in the results. Feed ingredients of animal origin exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher crude protein levels (407 -635 g/kg DM) compared to the feed ingredients of plant based origin. Freshwater shrimps (Caridina nilotica) contained the highest crude protein levels of 635 g/kg DM. Feed ingredients of animal origin had low ether extracts (EE) with an exception of Omena fish (Rastrineobola argentea). Crude fibre (CF) was generally higher on feed ingredients of plant origin and ranged between 55-368 g/kg DM while Nitrogen Free Extracts (NfE) and ash content were higher in the feedstuffs of plant origin with an exception of maize bran which had the lowest value. Omena fish and freshwater shrimp had higher ash content of 182 and 228g/kg DM compared to other feed ingredients of animal origin, which may indicate contamination with soil particles during drying process. Based on the feed ingredient availability, potential competition with other human uses, content of crude protein and crude fibre and the feasibility of removal of anti-nutritional factors, C. nilotica, blood meal, meat and bone meal, were identified as most promising sources of animal based protein. Cotton (Gossypium spp) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed cakes provided the best option as source of processed plant based protein. Leaves of gallant soldier (Galisonga parviflora), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus), cassava (Manihot esculenta) and papaya (Papaya carica) were identified as high potential feedstuffs of plant origin either processed or in raw form for small-scale fish farming. We recommend that in well fertilized semiintensive ponds, maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa) bran may be utilized where available to supplement natural pond food

Fish farming in Tanzania: the availability and nutritive value of local feed ingredients

An investigative field survey was performed to gather baseline data on locally available feed ingredients and fish farming practices in different regions of Tanzania. More than 80% of respondents relied on locally available feed ingredients as a major feed supplement for their cultured fish, with maize bran being the most commonly used feed ingredient in all regions. Crude protein content in most analyzed local feed ingredients was medium-high, while crude fat content was high in some animal and agricultural by-products, and medium-low in other ingredients. Most respondents were males and the majority of fish farms were owned by individuals. Earthen pond was the most common fish farming system in all regions except Dar es Salaam. Semi-intensively mixed-sex tilapia monoculture was the dominating fish farming practice. The results of the survey presented provide a good platform for future development of culture systems and feeding strategies for tilapia in Tanzania

Optimization of extruder cooking conditions for the manufacture of fish feeds using response surface methodology

Abstract A composite blend consisting of sunflower cake, maize germ, wheat bran, fresh water shrimps and cassava flour was extruded using a single‐screw extruder to produce expanded fish feed pellets. The effects of temperature (80–120 °C), die diameter (2–4 mm), and feed pre‐conditioning time (50–150 s; steam 400 kPa) on properties of the pellets (expansion ratio, bulk density, floatability, durability, water absorption, water solubility, water stability, and in‐vitro protein digestibility) were investigated using response surface methodology. Regression equations describing the effect of each variable on the product responses were obtained. The pellets extruded using a factor combination of 120 °C extruder barrel temperature, 2 mm die diameter, and 100 s of feed pre‐conditioning time gave most desirable pellet floatability (100%), durability index (99%), expansion ratio (2.64), water absorption index (4.12), water solubility index (9.31), water stability (87%), bulk density (479 g/L), and in vitro protein digestibility (69.97%) with a composite desirability of 0.88. Practical applications Extrusion is a modern feed processing method whose use is fast gaining popularity among small feed processors in developing countries. However, extrusion is a process that involves many parameters that need to be optimized for desirable end properties. These findings guide fish feed manufacturers on the optimum conditions for single screw extruders for production of feeds with desirable properties especially for the fish types that are top feeders. In addition, the results offer important insights on how temperature, die diameter, and feed pre‐conditioning, may be manipulated to influence properties of extruded aquafeed when using simple low‐cost small‐scale extruders

FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF FISH HANDLERS IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY MARKETS, KENYA

Fish and fish products have high nutritional value and are important in supplementing human diet. Fish products have little or no cholesterol and saturated fat, but instead have omega 3 and low-fat content essential for human health. Despite the high nutritional value of fish products, their consumption is hindered significantly by setbacks such as spoilage and foodborne diseases that spread through contamination in the fish supply chain. The objective of this study was to evaluate fish vendors' attitudes, knowledge, and practices on food safety in selected markets in Kirinyaga County that included Sagana, Tebere, Mwea, Ndia, Kianyaga, and Kerugoya markets. A structured questionnaire was administered to 54 fish vendors to collect information on fish safety, spoilage, risk factors, personal hygiene, food contamination, type of hazards, foodborne diseases and attitudes towards training on food safety. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyse the data from the respondents. The relationship between fish vendors’ demographic characteristics and risk factors was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The majority of the fish vendors had a positive attitude towards education in hygiene practices (56%). There was a positive correlation between education and fish vendors' awareness of fish foodborne diseases at p<0.05. The study revealed that fish foodborne diseases awareness was positively influenced by respondents' level of experience and age. Moreover, there was also a significant (p˂ 0.05) positive correlation on the awareness of fish foodborne diseases with hygiene and food safety. Majority of the fish handlers had average level of knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices for food safety. These findings presented a foundation for formulating policies to increase food safety and hygiene practices of fish handlers in the region, thereby preventing foodborne diseases and postharvest losess. The results of this study can also form a basis for an indepth research for students and researchers in verious disciplines scuh as public health, marketing, community development and more

Nutritive Value And Availability Of Commonly Used Feed Ingredients For Farmed Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis Niloticus L.) And African Catfish ( Clarias Gariepinus , Burchell) In Kenya, Rwanda And Tanzania

Commonly utilized feed ingredients for culture of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) and African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda were collected over a period of six months (January - June 2010) and evaluated for their nutritive composition through proximate analysis. Most of the fish feed ingredients were found in all the three countries except a few that were unique to one or two countries as detailed in the results. Feed ingredients of animal origin exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher crude protein levels (407 - 635 g/kg DM) compared to the feed ingredients of plant based origin. Freshwater shrimps ( Caridina nilotica ) contained the highest crude protein levels of 635 g/kg DM. Feed ingredients of animal origin had low ether extracts (EE) with an exception of Omena fish (Rastrineobola argentea). Crude fibre (CF) was generally higher on feed ingredients of plant origin and ranged between 55- 368 g/kg DM while Nitrogen Free Extracts (NfE) and ash content were higher in the feedstuffs of plant origin with an exception of maize bran which had the lowest value. Omena fish and freshwater shrimp had higher ash content of 182 and 228g/kg DM compared to other feed ingredients of animal origin, which may indicate contamination with soil particles during drying process. Based on the feed ingredient availability, potential competition with other human uses, content of crude protein and crude fibre and the feasibility of removal of anti-nutritional factors, C. nilotica, blood meal, meat and bone meal, were identified as most promising sources of animal based protein. Cotton ( Gossypium spp) and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) seed cakes provided the best option as source of processed plant based protein. Leaves of gallant soldier ( Galisonga parviflora ), sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatus ), cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) and papaya ( Papaya carica ) were identified as high potential feedstuffs of plant origin either processed or in raw form for small-scale fish farming. We recommend that in well fertilized semi- intensive ponds, maize ( Zea mays ), wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) and rice ( Oryza sativa ) bran may be utilized where available to supplement natural pond food

Acceptability and feasibility of long-term, real-time electronic adherence monitoring of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among young women in Kenya: A mixed methods study.

Real-time electronic adherence monitoring involves "smart" pill boxes that record and monitor openings as a proxy for pill taking and may be useful in understanding and supporting PrEP use; however, acceptability and/or feasibility for PrEP users is uncertain. We sought to understand the experiences of using a real-time electronic adherence monitor for PrEP delivery among young women in Kisumu and Thika, Kenya. We used the Wisepill device to monitor PrEP use among 18-24-year-old women for two years. Half of the participants were randomized to also receive SMS adherence reminders (daily or as needed for missed doses). We assessed acceptability quantitatively and qualitatively according to the four constructs of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT): performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. We assessed feasibility by monitor functionality during periods of PrEP use. We analyzed quantitative data descriptively and compared by site and over time; qualitative data were analyzed inductively and deductively. The median age was 21 years (IQR 19-22), median education was 12 years (IQR 10-13), 182 (53%) had disclosed PrEP use, and 55 (16%) reported recent intimate partner violence. Most participants reported high levels of usefulness and high interest in using the monitor with few problems or worries reported throughout follow-up. Feasibility was high overall with some differences by site (96% functional monitor days in Kisumu vs 88% in Thika). Few monitors were reported lost (N = 29; 8%) or dysfunctional (N = 11; 3%). In qualitative interviews, electronic monitoring was perceived as useful because it supported privacy, confidentiality, easy storage, and PrEP adherence. Effort was generally considered low. Participants expressed some concern for stigma from monitor and/or PrEP use. Facilitating conditions involved the monitor size, color, and battery life. Overall, real-time electronic adherence monitoring was a highly acceptable and feasible approach to understand PrEP adherence among young women in a sub-Saharan African setting