A just and sustainable transformation of fish farming in Lake Victoria, Kenya (AJUST)
We aim to explore the unintended consequences of a climate action plan for sustainable cage aquaculture (SCAP) in Lake Victoria.
About the project
Fish farming in Lake Victoria plays a critical role in supporting livelihoods, food security, and local economies in Kenya, where demand for affordable animal protein continues to rise due to population growth and urbanization. Aquaculture has expanded to supplement declining capture fisheries; however, this growth has often occurred without adequate environmental safeguards, inclusive governance systems, or equitable value chain structures. As a result, challenges such as water pollution, disease outbreaks, inefficient production systems, and unequal access to markets, finance and technology persist, particularly affecting small-scale producers. The project is founded on the need to shift the sector toward practices that balance ecological integrity, economic viability, and social equity.
Project information
Primary investigator (PI)
Project period
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Organisation
A just and sustainable transformation of fish farming in Lake Victoria, Kenya (AJUST) is part of: Section for Environment and Natural Resources
Funded by
More about the research
The project examines how the adaptation strategy aligns with principles of economic efficiency and environmental justice, assess implications for vulnerable groups, and identify governance and policy framework adjustments needed to improve these outcomes.
The project will specifically explore the environmental carrying capacity of aquaculture production and the potential impact of SCAP on production, income redistribution, and food security along the value chain. AJUST will examine how the adaptation strategy aligns with principles of economic efficiency and environmental justice, assess implications for vulnerable groups, and identify governance and policy framework adjustments needed to improve these outcomes.
WP1: Water quality and Environmental carrying capacity
How do climate and management changes affect water quality and fish habitat in Lake Victoria, with emphasis on the lake's suitability for cage fish farming?
WP2: Bio/Economic modelling and productivity
How will the new allocation of sites and rights affect production quantities, profits, and income distribution dynamics, and what is the optimal sustainable production potential?
WP3: Value chain analysis
How will SCAP affect trade and income distribution for value chain actors, and how can policy, innovation and company governance mitigate that and help upgrade the value chain?
WP4: Environmental and social justice
How has public policy affected participation, such as age, gender and income for farmers, and how will the SCAP affect equity and environmental justice in the future?
Inform policymakers on the consequences of SCAP – and adjust!
Researchers form University of Copenhagen
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Name
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Contact info
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- Associate Professor
- Assistant Professor - Tenure Track
- Associate Professor
- Associate Professor
- Associate Professor
External researchers
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Mary Adhiambo OpiyoSenior Research ScientistKenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
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Kevin Odhiambo ObieroCentre DirectorKenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
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Christopher Mulanda AuraDirectorKenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
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Chrispine Sangara NyamweyaAssistant DirectorKenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
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Fonda Jane AwuorResearch ScientistKenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
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Jackie MenjoMaster of Laws in International Legal StudiesKenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
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Christine Adhiambo EtiegniDeputy Director of FisheriesKenya Fisheries Service
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Frank Onderi MaseseDirectorUniversity of Eldoret
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Erick Ochieng OgelloHead of Department of Animal and Fisheries ScienceMaseno University