Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) culture in Kenya: Emerging production technologies and socio‐economic impacts on local livelihoods

Abstract

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most farmed fish globally, with a significant contribution improving local livelihoods, especially in developing countries. Nile tilapia was first cultured in Kenya in 1924 and is the most cultured fish species. Annually, O. niloticus accounts for 62% (∼15,000 tonnes) of total aquaculture production. Although O. niloticus is the most preferred cultured fish, its culture faces challenges, for example, early maturation due to prolific breeding behaviour leading to stunted growth that limits its culture and profitability among smallholder farmers. With the surging demand for locally farmed fish, innovative technologies have emerged to boost aquaculture production. Donor and public research‐funded projects, for instance, the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project, are validating various aquaculture technologies, innovations and management practices (TIMPs) to achieve ‘triple wins’ of increased fish production, improved resilience and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)‐funded Aquaculture Business Development Programme aims at commercialising aquaculture to improve local livelihoods. In this study, we adopt a scoping review methodology to review and synthesise published literature on tilapia culture in Kenya to explore current and emerging tilapia production technologies and document their socio‐economic impacts on farmers’ livelihoods. These emerging innovative technologies range from culture systems, for example, biofloc, periphyton, fingerpond technology, integrated aquaculture, breeding and genetics (selective breeding), fish health and biosecurity measures, to post‐harvest loss reduction, value addition and marketing. The study findings reveal that the technologies have great potential to increase tilapia production and profitability and positively impact the local livelihoods of smallholder fish farmers through employment creation, economic growth and better nutrition.

Simple additive weighting – a recommended seeds selections system for nile tilapia fish farmer

“…Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a widely introduced and cultured fish worldwide. It has become one of the most important fish, with a global harvest of over 6 million tons (MT) [1,2]. Although this fish originated from Africa, the number of countries that farm and culture this fish has increased.…”

“…Although this fish originated from Africa, the number of countries that farm and culture this fish has increased. In 2009 reported that 80 countries had farmed tilapia, and it has expanded to over 140 countries ever since, including Indonesia [1,3]. In Indonesia, the freshwater and marine aquaculture industry is crucial to the country's economy.…”

“…It exists on a variety of scales and takes on several different shapes. Broadly it can be classified as small, medium, and large scale [1]. The Nile tilapia has overtaken carp as the second-most significant aquaculture product [2,6].…”

Nutrients digestibility and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on oilseed meals with crude papain enzyme

“…In Kenya, aquaculture is the fastest growing subsector due to increased demand for fish and fish products. With the surging demand for locally farmed fish, innovative technologies have emerged to boost aquaculture production (Munguti et al., 2022). Increased aquaculture production should positively correlate with the production of quality feeds to meet the nutritional requirements of cultured fish (Agbo, 2008; Machena & Moehl, 2001).…”

“…Nile tilapia is the most cultured species in Kenya, accounting for 80% of national aquaculture production but faces challenges of access to quality feeds (Munguti et al., 2022). Few studies have been performed with Nile tilapia to evaluate the effect of crude papain enzyme on growth performance.…”