Aquaculture is a significant industry in food production, and its contribution to food and nutrition security is well acknowledged. Zambia’s aquaculture production has continued to increase significantly, thus playing a key role in supplying animal protein sources for human consumption. However, recent estimates show that 75% of the national aquaculture production comes from large-scale commercial producers despite being by far the minority while the majority of small-scale producers contribute the remaining 25% of the total annual production. This low production by small-scale producers is attributed to insufficient financial resources, poor management and utilization of farm resources, lack of access to competitive markets, and more recently a changing climate. In this research, we examine the viability of integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) as a means for small-scale producers in Zambia to boost their aquaculture output despite the numerous obstacles they face. In addition, the obstacles that could prevent small-scale farmers from adopting IAA have been emphasized. We conclude that IAA has the potential to dramatically boost small-scale aquaculture production in Zambia, but information and understanding must be improved to make it a more feasible alternative.

Aquaculture is a key driver of food and nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and economic development in Zambia. This study evaluated the performance, challenges, and opportunities associated with government-funded small-scale cage fish farming in Siavonga District, contributing to the discourse on sustainable aquatic food systems and climate resilience. Using mixed methods including questionnaires, interviews, and insights from the Ministry of Fisheries, data were gathered from 30 purposively selected farmers between 2020 and 2023. The findings show that government investments have improved income generation and job creation by lowering entry barriers through infrastructure support and extension services. However, constraints such as theft, fish predation, currency fluctuations, and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder adaptive decision-making and reduce the competitiveness of publicly supported farmers compared to their private-sector counterparts. Key opportunities for sustainable transformation include expanding access to quality inputs such as fingerlings and feed, improving lake transport systems, and fostering public-private partnerships. Importantly, this study offers a climate-smart perspective by highlighting how adaptive support systems and inclusive policy frameworks can enhance the resilience of small-scale aquaculture in the face of climate variability. Integrating government-led initiatives with market-driven innovations is essential to strengthen the resilience, inclusivity, and long-term viability of Zambia’s aquaculture sector. The study provides practical insights for advancing blue transformation in similar socio-ecological settings.