A review of the uptake of sustainable climate‐smart aquaculture in sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract As climate change reshapes agriculture and food systems across the globe, aquaculture in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is at a turning point. Sustainable climate‐smart aquaculture (SCSAq) aims to make fish farming more productive, resilient to climate change, and environmentally friendly while also improving livelihoods and nutrition. This review collates and consolidates empirical findings on how SCSAq is being adopted across the region and what factors are driving or hindering its scalability. Drawing from recent studies (2015 to 2025), this paper identified key practices being used, such as recirculating systems, organic inputs, local feed production, and water‐saving techniques. The paper also synthesizes existing findings on factors influencing uptake such as education, access to finance, institutional support, and environmental conditions. Major barriers such as high start‐up costs, poor infrastructure, and limited knowledge were also identified. Finally, the wide impacts of SCSAq is discussed, showing how it can improve food security, incomes, and ecosystem health if effectively scaled up. This review highlights the need for inclusive policies, farmer‐led innovation, and cross‐sector collaboration to bridge the gap between science, policy, and practice. With the right support, SCSAq can play a significant part in building a more sustainable and climate‐resilient pathway for aquaculture in SSA.