Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Fish Farming for Improved Livelihoods of Local Communities in Ikolomani Sub-County, Kenya

Fish farming has gained significant attention in Asia and Africa as a sustainable solution to meet the rising demand for fish while improving livelihoods and reducing poverty in rural communities. In Kenya, Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into a newly industrialized, middle-income nation by improving the quality of life for all citizens. As part of this initiative, food security has been prioritized under the socio-economic development pillar. Similarly, the County Government of Kakamega has incorporated aquaculture into its development plans, and made significant investments in the sub-sector to support rural livelihoods. However, despite these efforts, fish production in Kakamega County remains low. This study explores the impact of production costs on fish farming, the role of market conditions in fish production, and local attitudes toward fish consumption in Ikolomani Constituency, Kenya. A descriptive study design was used, targeting approximately 300 fish farmers in the constituency. A total of 60 fish farmers and 12 key informants were randomly and purposively sampled respectively. Data was collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively. Findings indicate that the high cost of fish feed and fingerlings is the most significant barrier to fish farming in the constituency. Additionally, rural fish consumption remains low due to deep-rooted traditional attitudes. However, increased interest from the county government and a growing demand for fish—particularly in urban areas—present promising investment opportunities in the sector. The study recommends that the County Government of Kakamega continues raising awareness about the benefits of fish farming for food security and household income. Furthermore, addressing the high production costs, particularly the expensive fish feed and limited availability of fingerlings, will be crucial in encouraging more farmers to adopt fish farming as a sustainable livelihood option.