Innovative farmer-centred biosecurity training for sustainable cage aquaculture and fish health management in Lake Victoria, Kenya

The rapid expansion of cage aquaculture in Lake Victoria presents significant opportunities for food security, livelihoods and growth for the blue economy. However, increasing production intensification has heightened risks associated with fish diseases, poor fish health management, and reduced productivity. This project aimed to assess biosecurity awareness among cage fish farmers in Kisumu County and demonstrate an innovative farmer-centred capacity-building approach to strengthen disease prevention and sustainable aquaculture practices.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 23 cage fish farmers was conducted at Kaloka, Dunga, and Ogal beaches in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria. Digital data collection tools (KoBoToolbox) were used to assess biosecurity knowledge, disease management practices, and farmer constraints. Findings informed the development of innovative extension materials, including pictorial fish disease guides, biosecurity posters, simplified standard operating procedures (SOPs), and locally adapted training content delivered through site-based farmer engagement and Beach Management Unit (BMU) networks.

Results showed that while approximately 60–65% of farmers were aware of basic biosecurity concepts, implementation remained limited. Most farmers did not quarantine fingerlings before stocking, disease reporting systems were weak, and disposal of mortalities was often inappropriate. Commonly reported fish health problems included abnormal swimming behaviour, reduced feeding, skin lesions, and mortalities. The training intervention improved awareness among participating farmers and strengthened collaboration between farmers, BMUs, and fisheries officers through practical, visual, and locally contextualised learning approaches.

The project demonstrates that low-cost, technology-enabled extension tools and community-based knowledge transfer mechanisms can improve biosecurity compliance and fish health management in cage aquaculture systems. Scaling up such innovations can enhance climate resilience, reduce disease-related losses, and support sustainable blue economy development in the Lake Victoria Basin. Continued investment in farmer training, surveillance systems, and access to certified aquaculture inputs is recommended.

Word Count: 292

Keywords: Biosecurity, Blue Economy, Cage Aquaculture, Fish Health, Innovation

Preferred Mode of Presentation: Oral Presentation

Exhibitor Category: Government Institution