Quantifying Post-Harvest Fish Losses in Central Kenya: Implications for Small-Scale Aquaculture Sustainability

Post-harvest fish losses (PHLs) significantly hinder the growth and sustainability of Kenya's aquaculture sector, contributing to economic losses and reduced food security. This study aimed to quantify transit-related fish losses, identify contributing factors, and assess the effectiveness of storage and refrigeration practices among small-scale aquaculture farmers in Central Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September and October 2023, involving 227 fish farmers from Kirinyaga, Nyeri, and Meru counties. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that tilapia was the most cultivated species, predominantly in polyculture systems with African catfish. Kirinyaga County had the highest adoption of polyculture practices (58%) compared to Nyeri (24%) and Meru (16.3%). Despite higher per-farmer production, Meru County experienced the most significant post-harvest losses, with an average of 7.0 kg lost per farmer, representing 37% of total production. The high losses in Meru were associated with inadequate refrigeration during transit, with 81% of farmers not using any cooling methods, compared to 56% in Kirinyaga and 51% in Nyeri. Transportation times also contributed to losses, with Meru reporting the longest average transport duration (3 hours, 23 minutes). The study recommends investing in affordable and accessible refrigeration technologies, such as solar-powered ice makers and insulated containers, alongside improving transportation efficiency. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, development agencies, and stakeholders in the fisheries sector to develop targeted interventions that enhance post-harvest practices, reduce losses, and strengthen the aquaculture value chain. These efforts align with Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting food security and reducing food losses in the aquaculture sector.