Integration of Aquaculture into Smallholder Farming Systems for Improved Food Security and Household Nutrition

Abstract

Aquaculture production techniques based on the culture of low-value herbivorous and/or omnivorous freshwater finfish in inland rural communities, within semi-intensive or extensive farming systems that use moderate to low levels of production inputs, have supplied large quantities of affordable fish for domestic markets and home consumption. Only recently have studies been initiated to assess the contribution of these integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) systems to improved nutrition and food security, both within IAA farm households and in non-IAA households in the community. The effect can be direct, through within-household consumption and dietary improvement, but also indirect, through sale of fish produce and purchase of other food items (often at lower unit value than the sold fish). In the absence of in-depth studies, this contribution presents key elements from recent experiences in Africa and Asia that indicate where benefits from the integration of aquaculture into farming systems for human nutrition and food security can be achieved, and it recommends future avenues for research to provide much-needed information on the contribution of aquaculture to household nutrition and food security.

Improved Sustainable Aquaculture Systems for Small-Scale Farmers in Northern Vietnam

“…Farmers obtain a high share of their protein intake from aquatic products, and these products make an important contribution to farmers' nutrient intake and especially their supply of animal protein (Steinbronn 2009). It is widely acknowledged that fish and other living aquatic resources can constitute an important component of the human diet; they are considered to be nutrient-dense foods which provide protein, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins (Prein and Ahmed 2000). While in the past fish production in the study area was predominantly for subsistence purposes, the system has now become increasingly marketorientated, with fish the third most important product for the farmers in terms of income generation after maize and cassava.…”

“…Currently, aquaculture is only a minor component in the local farming system, but its importance might increase with greater farm specialization and market orientation, and it has been widely recognized that encouraging the further development of aquaculture production can contribute in a sustainable manner to food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries (Tacon 1997;Edwards 2000;Prein and Ahmed 2000).…”

Feeding 9 billion by 2050 – Putting fish back on the menu

“…A number of papers have succeeded in presenting a very comprehensive evidencebased argument for supporting fish as a central element in the FSN debate (see e.g., Prein and Ahmed 2000;Roos et al 2003;Kawarazuka and Béné 2011;Beveridge et al 2013). Here, we aim to review the evidence from the contemporary and emerging debates and controversies around fisheries and aquaculture.…”

Integrating GIS, Remote Sensing, and Mathematical Modelling for Surface Water Quality Management in Irrigated Watersheds

“…These can contribute to the alleviation of food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty through the provision of food of high nutritional value, income and employment generation, decreased risk of monoculture production failure, improved access to water, enhanced aquatic resource management and increased farm sustainability (e.g. FAO 2000a, Prein andAhmed 2000). Inland fisheries and fish ponds surrounding lakes and drainage systems within agricultural areas, may yet be able to yield more fish as effort increases, but the increased effort required will become increasingly challenging.…”