The Role of Aquaculture and Capture Fisheries in Meeting Food and Nutrition Security: Testing a Nutrition-Sensitive Pond Polyculture Intervention in Rural Zambia

Abstract

This study tested the efficacy of a pond polyculture intervention with farming households in northern Zambia. Longitudinal data on fish consumption and the associated nutrient intake of households (N = 57) were collected over a six-month period (September 2019–March 2020). One group of people tested the intervention while another group that practiced monoculture tilapia farming, and a third group that did not practice aquaculture, acted as control groups. A similar quantity of fish was consumed on average; however, the associated nutrient intake differed, based on the quantity and type of species consumed, particularly for those who had access to pelagic small fish from capture fisheries. There was a decrease in fish consumption from December onward due to fisheries management restrictions. The ponds provided access to micronutrient-rich fish during this time. Pond polyculture can act as a complementary source of fish to capture fisheries that are subjected to seasonal controls, as well as to households that farm tilapia. Assessments of how aquatic foods can improve food and nutrition security often separate aquaculture and capture fisheries, failing to account for people who consume fish from diverse sources simultaneously. A nutrition-sensitive approach thus places food and nutrition security, and consumers, at the center of the analysis.

Effects of Suture Implantation Using Different Suture Materials on the Skin Histopathology, Immune Expression of Interleukin-6, and Hematological Parameters in Rat

“…It is noteworthy that increased aquaculture production to reduce the fish demand-supply gap requires innovations in science and technology to improve the existing aquaculture production techniques (Maulu et al, 2019;Kaminski et al, 2022). Many factors constrain aquaculture production, inter alia, the cost of fingerlings and feed, the quality and quantity of fingerlings, diseases, and inadequate extension (Adeleke et al, 2021).…”

The contribution of homestead pond fish culture to household food security and dietary diversity in central coast of a developing country

“…Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies poses a significant challenge to achieving the zero-hunger target in the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This challenge is exacerbated by insufficient intake of micronutrients, unbalanced diets, and low bioavailability [ [4] , [5] , [6] ]. Likewise, the extent and severity of both macro and micronutrient deficiencies significantly impact the long-term economic and human development of a nation [ [6] , [7] , [8] ].…”

“…Fishes are not only a good source of protein but also rich in several micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, selenium and zinc [ 5 , 9 ]. About 60% people from developing countries depend upon fish for over 30% of their protein supplies [ 6 , [10] , [11] , [12] ].…”

“…Previous studies consistently underscore the crucial role played by homestead pond culture in addressing food security challenges by augmenting household dietary diversity and serving as a valuable source of animal protein [ 8 , [21] , [22] , [23] ]. The literature also accentuates the potential for income generation and livelihood improvement, particularly within low-income households engaged in pond aquaculture [ 5 , 12 , 17 ]. Furthermore, ecological benefits (such as wastewater recycling and nutrient utilization) associated with homestead pond culture, have been thoroughly investigated [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…The literature also accentuates the potential for income generation and livelihood improvement, particularly within low-income households engaged in pond aquaculture [ 5 , 12 , 17 ]. Furthermore, ecological benefits (such as wastewater recycling and nutrient utilization) associated with homestead pond culture, have been thoroughly investigated [ 5 , 6 ]. Nonetheless, dietary diversity, gender dynamics, and sustainability concerns emerge as challenges in the literature, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to promote and optimize the advantages of homestead pond culture in Bangladesh.…”