An Assessment of the Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP) on Biosecurity and Best Management Practices in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Cage Aquaculture in Lake Victoria, Kenya

As aquaculture intensifies, maintaining conducive conditions for sustainable production becomes a key priority. The expansion in farm number and perfarm production puts pressure on the environment and increases susceptibility of the cultured fish to disease, leading to production loss by the investors. This study was conducted in cage aquaculture systems located in three riparian counties in Lake Victoria, Kenya to investigate the combined role of biosecurity and adherence to best management practices (BMPs) by looking at the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the cage aquaculture farmers. Additionally, it examined the link between biosecurity, BMPs, and water quality in the context of promoting fish health and preventing fish kills in the cage aquaculture of Nile tilapia in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Gulf and open water locations were included in the study design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather qualitative information on the KAP of fish farmers to biosecurity and BMPs in the cage aquaculture farms. For water quality analysis, quantitative data was utilised. Results showed that the farmers had a positive attitude towards various biosecurity and BMP concepts and a moderate level of knowledge, but the practices on the farm were not in concurrence with both their attitudes and knowledge. Using a customised aquaculture performance index score, which assessed compliance to some BMPs and biosecurity, only 8% of the farms under investigation had a good score, while 24% had an average score and the majority (68%) had a poor score. Additionally, a good aquaculture performance index score was inversely related to ammonia levels. This finding suggests the need to locate cage fish farms in areas with better water circulation. The study highlights the need for capacity building on the importance of adherence to biosecurity and BMPs in the cage aquaculture of Nile tilapia in the lake for enhanced productivity and sustainability of the lake ecosystem.