Kenyan fish farmers get boost with disease monitoring, biosecurity training  

KENYA –  Smallholder fish farmers in Kenya’s western region are gaining crucial skills to combat fish diseases and enhance productivity, thanks to a transformative training program led by Cornell University, the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).  

This collaborative effort aims to equip farmers with tools to safeguard their livelihoods by reducing fish mortality and promoting sustainable practices in cage aquaculture. 

With support from USAID’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, the initiative combines scientific innovation and hands-on training to strengthen Kenya’s aquaculture sector, contributing significantly to food security and local economies. 

The project, supported by USAID’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, has trained more than 143 cage farmers and 75 Kenyan scientists in five counties: Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Homa Bay, and Migori. 

This initiative addresses key challenges in aquaculture, such as high fish mortality rates and disease outbreaks, which threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s economy.

The training sessions centred on biosecurity practices, including proper disposal of dead fish, equipment disinfection, and cages placement to promote water circulation. 

Farmers were also equipped to recognise early clinical signs of tilapia diseases. Multilingual pamphlets featuring visual guides supplemented the training, ensuring accessibility for diverse participants.

“By integrating veterinary medicine with social sciences, we aim to empower farmers with practical strategies to mitigate disease risks and reduce fish mortality,” said Dr Katie Fiorella, a key researcher from Cornell.  

The inclusion of women leaders added a unique dimension, addressing gender disparities in aquaculture and encouraging equitable participation.

“Collaborations with KMFRI, ILRI, Cornell, and the BMU Network ensure that women are supported throughout the value chain,” said Tom Guda, Chairman of the Regional BMU Network. “These efforts dismantle cultural barriers, enabling economic independence for women.”  

The initiative extends beyond training to incorporate advanced scientific research. ILRI’s laboratories analyse samples collected during the program to identify pathogens and address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

“ILRI’s genomic sequencing and AMR expertise are vital for tackling disease challenges in aquaculture,” said Dr. Ekta Patel, an ILRI scientist. This cutting-edge approach is expected to enhance disease monitoring and improve overall productivity.

KMFRI’s Director of Freshwater Systems, Dr. Christopher Aura, emphasised the importance of sustainable practices. 

“Proper cage siting and adherence to best practices are crucial for better biosecurity and long-term productivity,” he remarked. 

The research conducted by KMFRI and its partners ensures that farmers benefit from actionable insights to sustain their livelihoods while promoting a sustainable blue economy.

In 2023, Kenya’s aquaculture sector produced over 31,000 tonnes of fish valued at Ksh10 billion, driven by expanding cage aquaculture. 

With the fisheries sector employing 60,000 people and indirectly supporting 1.2 million, initiatives like this are essential for sustaining growth in the industry. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.