Development of Commercial Aquaculture and the Role of Policies. A case study on the development of aquaculture as a tool for poverty reduction and food security in Kenya

In Kenya, there is a growing demand for fish food, due to rapid population growth and dwindling fisheries. Aquaculture has been revived, and is now the fastest growing food-producing sector in the country. However, this development has happened in an unprecedented speed whereas the issue with sustainability emerges. The main driver for this growth is by government intervention, heavily involved in the development of the sector. According to the aquaculture policy the goal and objective is to “enhance aquaculture sub sectors contribution to wealth creation, increased employment for all especially the youth and women, food security and income generation through effective private, public and community partners”. This study is a literature-based study, a theoretical case study. Studying the role of policies in aquaculture development when applied as a tool for poverty reduction and food security, by investigating the development in Kenya. Governance and policies has become the focus of this study, due to this assumed impact on development. Major support services such as; Inputs supply, research and extension capacity as well as marketing linkages can be organized in the private sector; however, when aquaculture development is part of a national development plan, the state needs to take more responsibility and guide the development toward desired goals and objectives. It is in these circumstances the role of policies becomes relevant.