Synthesis and conclusions

Wetlands play an important role in food production for rural households in Africa ( Bugenyi, 2001 ). This study evaluated the potential of experimental aquaculture farming systems (Fingerponds) at the Lake Victoria wetlands in Kenya. These are flood recession integrated aquaculture systems. In order to understand how this innovative technology works, a functional (interaction between the ecosystem characteristics, structure and processes) and socio-economic approach was used. Analytical tools were employed to evaluate the different aspects of the technology within the farming systems. The biophysical suitability of the technology was assessed based on the existing wetland uses, soils and flood cycle. Pond water supply was examined using a dynamic simulation model. An Ecopath model helped evaluate the nutrient flows at the agroecosystem level. Cost benefit analyses and sustainable livelihoods’ assessment were used to study benefits to households while the implications for the environment were assessed using a Bayesian network.