Uptake and Effects of Climate Smart Aquacultural Practices in Productivity among Smallholder Fish Farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change and its negative impacts on livelihoods and ecosystems are a major global concern. The aquaculture segment has also been disfranchised due to climatic variabilities, posing a risk to its sustainability in light of increasing population demands. To tackle this, climate smart aquaculture strategies have been escalated for acceptance and implementation by aquafarmers. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether fish farmers prefer these practices, and little is known about their contribution to productivity. This study aimed to determine fish farmers' preferences for climate smart aquaculture practices, determine the socio-economic and institutional drivers of choice of climate smart aquacultural practices, and determine how these practices affect productivity among farmers in Kakamega county, Kenya. Through multistage sampling approach, 220 fish farmers were selected with data collected applying semi-structured questionnaires. A best worst scaling technique served to identify preferences for CSA interventions. In relation to the factors influencing the choice of CSA practices, the study adopted a multivariate probit model, and the effects of climate smart aquaculture practices on productivity were determined using a multinomial endogenous switching regression. The results posited that most fish farmers highly preferred the use of solar power, water reuse, and water harvesting climate smart aquaculture goals, while the use of wind power, dam liners, and improved feeds were the least preferred. On the second objective age of the respondent, level of education, gender, farmers' experience, household size, land size, extension services, and training pointedly influenced the uptake of climate smart aquaculture practices. Finally, the results demonstrated high productivity among farmers who used CSA practices in combinations (Da_Ta_St at 3665.96 Kgs/Ha) as compared to the single application of these practices (Adjusted stocking 489.99 and Dam lines at 196.63). In conclusion, the uptake of climate smart aquaculture strategies by fish farmers significantly contributed to an upsurge in productivity. The study recommends policies that prioritize the preferences of aqua farmers in the development of climate smart aquaculture interventions, the revitalization of the aquaculture sector through enhanced access to extension and knowledge diffusion aimed at promoting the uptake of these innovations. The findings of this study contribute to the current body of literature on climate-smart aquaculture and will inform policy formulation and the development of strategies intended to promote aquatic farming.