Description
Aquaculture is increasingly acknowledged as a vital contributor to global food security, nutrition, and economic development. Despite its transformative potential, aquaculture remains underexploited in many developing regions, including Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This work presents a comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities for enhancing fisheries productivity in the county through improved fish pond management practices. The review synthesizes insights from local and global research to examine production systems, water quality variables, nutritional management, and integrated farming approaches. Findings reveal that aquaculture in Uasin Gishu is predominantly small-scale and semi-intensive, with Nile tilapia and African catfish as the main cultured species. However, productivity is constrained by suboptimal water quality, inadequate feeding practices, limited farmer knowledge, and restricted access to quality inputs such as fingerlings and formulated feeds. Institutional gaps, including weak extension services and insufficient policy support, further hinder growth. Opportunities for sustainable intensification lie in capacity building, adoption of modern technologies, integration of aquaculture with crop and livestock systems, and strengthening of market linkages. Practical strategies include regular monitoring of water quality, optimized stocking densities, improved pond design and maintenance, and adoption of balanced feeding regimes. Policy interventions to enhance resource access, farmer training, and institutional support are also critical. The review concludes that effective pond management, supported by coordinated action among farmers, policymakers, researchers, and development partners, can significantly enhance aquaculture productivity, profitability, and ecological sustainability in Uasin Gishu County. By unlocking this potential, aquaculture can serve as a driver of regional development and contribute meaningfully to regional, national, and global food security goals.
| Title | Enhancing Fisheries Productivity Through Improved Fish Pond Management in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. |
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