Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most farmed fish globally, with a significant contribution improving local livelihoods, especially in developing countries. Nile tilapia was first cultured in Kenya in 1924 and is the most cultured fish species. Annually, O. niloticus accounts for 62% (∼15,000 tonnes) of total aquaculture production. Although O. niloticus is the most preferred cultured fish, its culture faces challenges, for example, early maturation due to prolific breeding behaviour leading to stunted growth that limits its culture and profitability among smallholder farmers. With the surging demand for locally farmed fish, innovative technologies have emerged to boost aquaculture production. Donor and public research‐funded projects, for instance, the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project, are validating various aquaculture technologies, innovations and management practices (TIMPs) to achieve ‘triple wins’ of increased fish production, improved resilience and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)‐funded Aquaculture Business Development Programme aims at commercialising aquaculture to improve local livelihoods. In this study, we adopt a scoping review methodology to review and synthesise published literature on tilapia culture in Kenya to explore current and emerging tilapia production technologies and document their socio‐economic impacts on farmers’ livelihoods. These emerging innovative technologies range from culture systems, for example, biofloc, periphyton, fingerpond technology, integrated aquaculture, breeding and genetics (selective breeding), fish health and biosecurity measures, to post‐harvest loss reduction, value addition and marketing. The study findings reveal that the technologies have great potential to increase tilapia production and profitability and positively impact the local livelihoods of smallholder fish farmers through employment creation, economic growth and better nutrition.

This study evaluated the effect of biofloc technology (BFT) on protein utilization and growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus fry under green house for 14 weeks under a 3 × 2 factorial design involving three crude protein (CP) levels (22, 27 and 35%) and two different carbon sources. Molasses and glucose were independently used as carbon sources in the BFT tanks with aeration using air stones. Mono‐sex fish fry of mean weight 0.07 ± 0.01 g and total length 13.1 ± 0.01 mm were stocked at density of 1 fish per litre. The fishes were fed on the three commercial diets that were randomly assigned in triplicates, with the control treatment being 35% CP. Feeding was done twice daily at 5% body weight, while sludge was siphoned weekly. Calculations of specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), food conversion ratio (FCR), survival and measurement of water quality parameters were also performed. Protein levels and carbon sources had significant effects (p < 0.05) on dissolved oxygen (DO) and NH₃ protein levels and carbon sources had significant interaction (p < 0.05) on pH. There was a significantly higher FCR in the control treatment (0.89) than in glucose (0.56–0.57) and molasses (0.59–0.63) bioflocs; furthermore, it was significantly different between the carbon sources. The PER was significantly higher in the control (8.42) than in glucose (5.03–7.99) and molasses (4.81–7.23) bioflocs. No significant interactions (p > 0.05) of protein levels and carbon sources were recorded on PER. However, it was significantly affected (p < 0.05) by protein levels and carbon sources. No significant effects (p > 0.05) of dietary protein level, carbon source, or their interaction were observed on SGR and condition factor. The SGR was significantly lower in the control (2.91) than glucose (3.52–3.59) and molasses (3.49‐3.56) bioflocs. The condition factor was significantly lower in the control (0.81) than glucose (1.72–1.83) and molasses (1.82–1.84) bioflocs. Survival rates were significantly higher in glucose (>97%) and molasses (>94%) than the control with a lower value of 74.7%. The biofloc increased protein utilization efficiency, which improved FCR and enhanced fish growth rate even with a lower dietary protein level. Further studies should evaluate the applicability of BFT in outdoor cultures.

This review paper provides an in‐depth analysis of the current status, challenges, and strategies for improvement within the fish feed industry in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Aquaculture production in these countries is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for fish and fish products for both nutritional and economic purposes. Despite the market facilitating the transition from extensive to semi‐intensive and moderately intensive farming systems across the four countries, the sector’s progress is hampered by a lack of sustainable, locally produced, high‐quality, and cost‐effective fish feeds tailored to different developmental stages of fish. Despite the evident need, there is a notable scarcity of comprehensive reviews addressing the regional perspective of fish feed due to heightened cross‐border trade driven by the soaring demand and increased installation of cages in Lake Victoria, as well as in inland dams and reservoirs. This paper addresses critical challenges, such as regional scarcity and limited access to quality feed ingredients, regulatory obstacles, insufficient quality control measures, infrastructure constraints, and a lack of awareness and understanding of feed management and formulation. To overcome these challenges, the paper recommends fostering collaboration to establish a robust regional fish feed supply chain, investing in research and development initiatives, advocating for policy reforms and regulatory support, and compliance with East African Community quality standards for fish feed. Moreover, there is an urgent need to enhance human resource capacity through training and extension services, promote public investment support, strengthen sector institutions and industry associations, conduct training and awareness programs for feed providers, and improve storage facilities to maintain feed quality. The paper provides policymakers with valuable insights to inform targeted interventions that will catalyze positive transformation within the fish feed industry in East Africa.

Aquaculture is the world's fastest‐growing food‐producing sector, making it a significant contributor to food and nutrition security for the globally growing human population. Nevertheless, its long‐term growth is limited by the effects of climate change. Aquaculture in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), which is dominated by small‐scale fish farming, is increasingly threatened by climate change, which has a substantial influence on its productivity and scalability. In this context, the present research looks at the socio‐economic consequences of climate change on small‐scale fish producers in SSA, as well as potential adaptation techniques to the effects of climate change. A clear understanding of these socio‐economic repercussions of climate change is critical for developing effective strategies to reduce future impacts and safeguard aquaculture‐based livelihoods. Furthermore, understanding the socio‐economic consequences of climate change on communities dependent on aquaculture is important for advising policymakers and decision‐makers on formulating and implementing policies that sustain aquaculture production amidst the climate change crisis. This article suggests various adaptation strategies to increase resilience to climate change, including diversification of livelihoods and species, use and incorporation of local and indigenous knowledge, shifting to aquaculture species less vulnerable to changing climatic conditions, capacity building through aquaculture insurance schemes, continued fish supply from capture fisheries, and consolidation of equity and human rights concerns. These adaptive methods, when combined, have the potential to enhance outcomes for populations who are more susceptible owing to their unstable socio‐economic conditions.