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Valuing sustainability in aquaculture: A comprehensive demand and supply side study in Kenya

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  • Zewdie, Markose Chekol
  • Magondu, Esther
  • Bottema, Mariska
  • Adam, Rahma
  • Rossignoli, Cristiano M.
  • Bonilla Anariba, Sara
  • Okemwa, Douglas
  • Yossa, Rodrigue

Abstract

Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) sustainably produces aquatic food by integrating multiple species. Despite its environmental, social and economic benefits, IMTA adoption and market acceptance remain limited in Africa, including Kenya. This study explores producer and consumer preferences through a discrete choice experiment involving 600 fish-farming and 600 fish-consuming households. Results reveal a clear divergence in stakeholder preference. After accounting for attributes such as the price, socioeconomic and environmental benefits of IMTA, and demographic interactions, fish-producing households showed an intrinsic preference for IMTA over conventional monoculture and were willing to accept price reductions of 12.97% for economic benefits, 11.70% for social benefits, and 14.32% for environmental benefits of IMTA relative to the monoculture alternative. Conversely, fish-consuming households recognized the value of IMTA, indicating a willingness to pay premiums of 11.34%, 10.50%, and 12.41% for the economic, social, and environmental benefits, respectively, over conventional monoculture products, despite showing a baseline aversion to adoption. For both producers and consumers, environmental benefits were the most highly valued attribute of IMTA. The result also identifies key demographic determinants: producer adoption is positively associated with household size and income, but negatively with age. Conversely, consumer acceptance is higher among female-headed and wealthier households. These findings suggest that successful IMTA implementation requires distinct strategies: targeted technical and financial support for younger, labor-abundant producer households, and gender-sensitive consumer education campaigns emphasizing environmental benefits. This comprehensive demand and supply side analysis offers key insights into the aquatic food sector, guiding targeted interventions aligned with stakeholder preferences and incentives.

Suggested Citation

  • Zewdie, Markose Chekol & Magondu, Esther & Bottema, Mariska & Adam, Rahma & Rossignoli, Cristiano M. & Bonilla Anariba, Sara & Okemwa, Douglas & Yossa, Rodrigue, 2026. "Valuing sustainability in aquaculture: A comprehensive demand and supply side study in Kenya," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:248:y:2026:i:c:s0921800926001667
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.109081
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