General introduction

This thesis investigates the potential of integrating aquaculture ponds (Fingerponds) into smallholder riparian farming systems at the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya. The overall aim is to contribute to a strategy for the wise use of the wetlands, i.e., to enhance the existing wetland fishery and seasonal agriculture without compromising ecosystem integrity ( Davis, 1993 ). If successful, this would increase the overall value of the wetland by increasing the use values (fish, crops) while maintaining the non-use values (e.g., biodiversity). This introductory chapter provides a background of wetland uses and values, resource trends, integrated farming system concepts, and introduces the study sites and setting of the experimental Fingerpond systems in Kenya.