Training boosts output, disease control for Kenyan smallholder fish farmers

Source: Supplied - Dr Christopher Aura discusses proper siting of aquaculture cages with farmers in Kisumu, Kenya.

Their collaborative effort focuses on improving biosecurity practices and strengthening disease surveillance to help farmers reduce the risk of pathogen transmission and enhance farm management.

For cage farmers in Lake Victoria, this can involve proper disposal of dead fish outside of the lake and disinfection of equipment when moving between different cages.

Aquaculture produces more than half of fish globally and is the fastest-growing segment of the food system. In Kenya, the fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes 0.5% to the national GDP and accounts for 2% of the country's export earnings.

The sector employs around 60,000 people and indirectly supports an estimated 1.2 million people. In 2023, aquaculture recorded over 31,000 tonnes valued at Ksh10bn which was attributed to expanding cage aquaculture.

Small-scale producers are fundamental to this production and the fish supply, and fish health and supply are critical to the success of the small-scale producers’ businesses.

Improving practices through hands-on training

The initiative, which is supported by the Usaid-funded Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, focuses on equipping fish farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce fish deaths and enhance aquaculture productivity.

It featured practical training on key areas such as biosecurity practices, proper siting of cages, management of cage nets, and early recognition of clinical signs for tilapia diseases.

"By studying fish health and collaborating with farmers in Kenya, interdisciplinary Cornell researchers are integrating social sciences and veterinary medicine to address disease monitoring and response systems in partnership with KMFRI and ILRI.

"Our goal is to equip farmers with actionable practices to reduce losses and sustain their livelihoods while safeguarding the aquatic food system," says Dr Fiorella.

The project launched with training sessions across five counties, namely, Kisumu (Ogal Beach), Siaya (Anyanga Beach), Busia (Mulukoba Beach), Homa Bay (Kaugege Beach), and Migori (Sori Beach) with 143 cage farmers and 75 Kenyan scientists trained.

A key component of the programme was the active involvement of women leaders, who addressed critical issues such as the prevention of fish deaths.

Source: Supplied - Dr Rod Getchell leads a discussion on biosecurity and fish disease for cage farmers at Ogal Beach, Kisumu County, Kenya.

Farmers also received multilingual pamphlets summarising best practices for fish farming management, using visual guides to demonstrate the optimal approaches for dead fish disposal, stocking of fingerlings, promoting water circulation within the cage environment, and early recognition of tilapia disease.

Tom Guda, chairman of the regional BMU network shares: "Through linkages and partnerships with organisations like KMFRI, ILRI, Cornell, and the BMU Network, we are creating a united front to empower women in fish farming.

"These collaborations ensure women are supported at every stage of the value chain—from training in cage establishment and proper fish husbandry to strengthening their financial capabilities through business practices.

"Together, we are not only enabling economic independence but also dismantling cultural barriers and creating equitable opportunities."

Leveraging advanced science to tackle disease

The training will link with ongoing laboratory analysis and contributions from the technology to improve productivity for cage farmers. Samples collected from the linked disease surveillance programme are being analysed at ILRI’s laboratories.

Leveraging its advanced facilities and expertise in genomic sequencing and antimicrobial resistance, ILRI is supporting the identification of pathogens and addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which can support farmers in mitigating disease risks.

Dr Ekta Patel, a scientist on the project at ILRI, remarks: "As part of the CGIAR, ILRI is committed to conducting research that delivers practical solutions to benefit the countless farmers who rely on science to sustain their livelihoods.

"I am excited to be part of this partnership and look forward to strengthening laboratory capacity to advance disease surveillance and improve outcomes for these farmers."

Source: Supplied - Dr Katie Fiorella leads a discussion on disease reporting for cage farmers at Ogal Beach, Kisumu County, Kenya.

Strengthening aquaculture through collaboration

Dr Christopher Aura, director of Freshwater Systems at KMFRI, emphasises the institute’s mandate as a state corporation conducting aquatic research to guide the sustainable use of blue resources.

He remarks: "The training sessions and our collaborative efforts on fish disease and biosecurity research demonstrate KMFRI’s enduring partnership with Cornell University.

"Gaining a deeper understanding of fish safety and biosecurity is vital for improving the management, productivity, and performance of fish farms, including cage culture. Ensuring proper cage siting and implementing best aquaculture practices are fundamental to achieving better biosecurity and sustainable results for farmers."

As the demand for animal-source foods increases, such initiatives represent an important step towards improving fish health and strengthening Kenya’s aquaculture sector.