Author: Karen Afandi Chagwaya
African Research Journal of Education & Social Sciences
Lino House, P.O Box 15509-00503, Mbagathi – Nairobi, KENYA
Email: karenchagwaya@gmail.com
Abstract:
Tilapia farming presents a promising solution for promoting sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions, where water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and poor soil quality limit the viability of traditional farming. This study examines the strategies and innovations that enable tilapia production to thrive in these challenging environments, with a particular focus on the utilization of water-efficient systems such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and integrated aquaculture techniques like aquaponics. These systems not only conserve water by reusing and filtering it but also enhance nutrient recycling, thereby supporting the growth of both fish and plants in a symbiotic setup. The research also explores the adaptability of certain tilapia species to saline or brackish water conditions, making use of underutilized water resources to expand aquaculture possibilities in these regions. The study further addresses the socioeconomic impact of tilapia farming, emphasizing its potential to boost food security, provide employment opportunities, and contribute to poverty alleviation in rural communities. By integrating tilapia farming into existing agricultural systems, farmers can diversify their income sources and increase resilience against climatic and economic uncertainties. The findings suggest that with proper training, infrastructure development, and policy support, tilapia farming can become a cornerstone of sustainable development in arid and semi-arid areas. This research calls for collaboration between local governments, development partners, and farming communities to scale up these innovative aquaculture practices. The study advocates for tilapia farming as a transformative approach that not only addresses the challenges of food insecurity and water scarcity but also paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural framework in resource-constrained environments.
Keywords: Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Integrated aquaculture farming techniques, Increased tilapia production techniques, Fish farming, Semi-arid and arid fish species, Tilapia production, Fisheries Production socio-economic impact
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Suggested Citation
Afandi, K.C. (2024). Towards Sustainable Fish Production: Tilapia Production and Farming in Semi-Arid and Arid Areas. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 11(3), 57-65. Available at http://arjess.org/social-sciences-research/towards-sustainable-fish-production-tilapia-production-and-farming-an-semi-arid-and-arid-areas.pdf
