FISH FARMING IN LAKE VICTORIA

Fish farming in Lake Victoria, Kenya

Fish farming in the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria is increasingly based on floating cage culture, particularly for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). It helps supplement declining wild catches and creates opportunities for food production and livelihoods. FAO AGRIS+1

• Main areas: Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties.

• Main species: Nile tilapia.

• System: Floating cages placed in suitable lake waters.

• Key requirements: quality fingerlings, good commercial feed, appropriate cage sites, water-quality monitoring and disease management.

• Major challenges: fish kills, poor water quality, overcrowding, feed costs, disease, environmental impacts and regulatory compliance. FAO AGRIS+1

• Environmental concern: excess feed and fish waste can increase nutrients around cages and stimulate algal growth. FAO AGRIS