Rethinking Kenyan Fish Farming: Peter’s journey towards sustainable aquaculture

Link to video with more information of Peter's project and progress: Affordable Aquaculture Recirculatory System Technology Facilitating Sustainable Aquaculture in Kenya

In 2023, Peter was among a handful of farmers selected to participate in a pilot project introducing the Affordable Recirculation Aquaculture System (A-RAS). The initiative is a collaboration between the Kenyan government and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This was implemented by Wageningen University and Research, the Food Systems and Poverty Alleviation in Africa (FOSPA-Africa), Partners for Water, Aqua Farming Consult, and Laikipia University, which sought to revolutionize fish farming. A-RAS promised to address the issues that affect traditional fish farming—water wastage, pollution, and limited productivity.

Peter embraced the opportunity. Under the guidance of experts, he transformed his fish farm, with the first order of business being to replace the traditional fishpond. In its place stood a greenhouse and breeding tanks crafted from locally available materials—timber, dam liners, and IBC tanks. He installed solar panels to power water pumps and harvested rainwater from his roof, creating a self-sufficient, eco-friendly operation.

The heart of the system lay in its ability to recycle water, reduce waste, and ensure the fish grew in a clean, controlled environment. For Peter, it was a game-changer.

The controlled environment means that the fish mature faster and are ready for market in just four to six months instead of the usual nine months. For Peter, this meant not just more income but a chance to sell twice a year.

Though still in the pilot stage to ascertain optimal production, the A-RAS System can increase production by up to 40 times more. Recycling water and minimizing environmental impact, the system not only conserves resources but also improves fish quality. In the face of climate change, adopting A-RAS technology will be crucial in advancing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will support water security (SDG 6) and climate action (SDG 13) through green energy, like solar panels. A-RAS also contributes to achieving Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by providing access to healthy, sustainable protein, fostering food security, and improving nutrition. Additionally, it promotes sustainable agriculture, paving the way for more resilient and productive farming systems.

For small- to medium-scale farmers like Peter, it is a lifeline, aligning with their personal goals of productivity and contributing to their income baskets. Peter’s farm has become a symbol of what is possible when innovation meets determination. For instance, the use of water hyacinth in his system showcased how even invasive plants could be repurposed for environmental benefit. By absorbing ammonia and reducing waste, the hyacinth supports a circular, sustainable approach to fish farming.

While sharing his experience during a dissemination workshop in Nyeri, he highlighted that despite the success, there were challenges he faced while making this transition. The initial setup costs were steep, but he resolved to look for locally available materials to manage these costs.

Peter’s story resonates far beyond the borders of Nyeri County. Across Kenya and Africa, small-scale farmers face similar challenges—unpredictable weather, limited resources, and a growing need for sustainable protein sources. The success of the A-RAS pilot project demonstrates that innovation could empower farmers, transforming lives and communities. By providing a replicable model, the project paves the way for scaling the technology to other regions, fostering resilience and food security.

As Kenya grapples with the challenges of overfished lakes and polluted waters, aquaculture is a vital solution. Producing over 150,000 metric tons of fish annually, the nation relies heavily on its natural water bodies, which contribute 80% of this output. However, environmental pressures are threatening this delicate balance. Pollution from heavy metals and agricultural runoff endangers fish populations and water quality. Aquaculture, accounting for just 10% of the country’s fish production, holds the key to meeting the growing demand sustainably.

Globally, the aquaculture industry is undergoing a shift. Fish farming is the fastest-growing sector in food production, driven by the need to feed a burgeoning population. Yet, traditional methods are no longer sufficient. Technologies like A-RAS are answering that call, offering a blueprint for eco-friendly, high-yield farming practices.

Peter’s story is a reminder that innovation is not just about technology, it’s about people. It’s about farmers like Peter who dare to dream, who are willing to learn and adapt, and who, with the right support, can transform their lives and their communities.