Biophysical suitability of smallholder integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems (Fingerponds) in East Africa's Lake Victoria freshwater wetlands

Most riparian communities living along the shores of Lake Victoria rely on wetland farming or harvesting of natural wetland products for their livelihoods. The potential for the enhancement of wetland benefits through smallholder aquaculture systems integrated into existing farming activities was investigated. In two experimental sites near Lake Victoria, Kenya, ponds were dug in wetlands and were used for fish production whilst excavated soil was used to create raised bed gardens for vegetable production. These integrated fish/crop production systems are called ‘Fingerponds’. Annual floods stocked the ponds naturally. After flood recession, manure from the adjacent village was used to improve pond productivity. Locally demanded vegetables were grown in the gardens. The predominantly clayey soils around Lake Victoria are generally suitable for aquaculture. The pilot study revealed that earthen ponds dug in the wetland (Fingerponds) can be adequately stocked during annual floods with local fish species (≥3 fish/m 2 ). The dominant fish are three species of tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus, O. leucostictus and O. variabilis ), Clarias sp. and Protopterus sp. Manure for pond fertilization is adequately available from the local villages. Fingerponds have the potential of enhancing the existing wetland benefits through fish and vegetable production.