Determinants of Choice of Climate Smart Aquaculture Practices: Insights From Smallholder Fish Farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

The impact of climate change on aquaculture threatens global food security, disrupting fish productivity and sector sustainability. Climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq) offers a viable strategy to mitigate these challenges, particularly during droughts, through practices such as adjusted fish stocking, dam lining, tanks, boreholes and pond covers. Despite their benefits, adoption among smallholder fish farmers in Kakamega County remains low. This study examines factors influencing CSAq adoption among 220 smallholder fish farmers, selected through a multistage sampling technique. A multivariate probit model was employed to analyse the data. Results indicate that farming experience, gender, education level, age, land ownership, household size, extension service frequency and access to CSAq training significantly influence the adoption of these practices. Farmers with more experience, higher education and greater access to training and extension services were more likely to implement CSAq techniques. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance CSAq adoption. Policies promoting knowledge dissemination, improved farmer training and increased access to extension services are crucial for strengthening climate resilience in aquaculture. Investment in these areas will encourage smallholder farmers to adopt CSAq practices, ensuring sustainable fish production and long-term sector stability amid climate change challenges.