CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117903

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Nutrition, health and food security

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/15-resilient-aquatic-foods-for-healthy-people-and-planet/

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Disentangling community-based resource governance through knowledge systems mapping: insights from Community Fish Refuges in rural Cambodia
(Journal Article, 2025-06) Baldivieso Soruco, C. R.; Bonatti, M.; De Silva, Sanjiv; Ou, P.; Soeun, K. O.; Neth, S.; Sun, V.; Rodríguez, T.; Sean, V.; Sithirith, M.; Dubois, Mark; Sieber, S.
Inland fisheries in Cambodia are of great importance to the livelihoods of rural communities, as they provide sustenance and seasonal income for the local population. Community fish refuges (CFRs) are natural or human-made water bodies that hold water throughout the year, providing a dry-season sanctuary for aquatic life. Managed mainly by the local community, CFRs support diverse ecological and human functions, such as biodiversity repositories, including fish stocks, and provide water for irrigation, livestock, and domestic needs. These initiatives have been promoted by several organizations in Cambodia since the 1990s, showing positive ecological impacts and improving food security, especially for marginalized populations. However, the social dimensions of management, the role of local knowledge, and the underlying knowledge systems remain understudied. The objective of this study is to gain insight into the governance mechanisms of CFRs in relation to the local knowledge of management. Four CFR projects conducted by WorldFish and NGO partners between 2016 and 2021 in Central Cambodia were selected for the analysis. A participatory approach was employed using causal loop diagrams (CLDs) through focus group discussions (FGDs) with local stakeholders (n = 38). The methodological approach was based on three phases: exploratory interviews (n=23), causal-loop FGDs (n=4), and FGDs for data validation (n=4). Our study highlights the importance of context-specific and relational knowledge in CFR management, as well as the importance of institutional structures, power dynamics, and social differentiation in shaping knowledge access, distribution, and management. Social mobilization mainly involves village representatives mediating between villagers and external entities, with a certain degree of concentration of power within groups of stakeholders. Enhancing community governance through more inclusive, dialogue-based communication and potentially leveraging informal networks is recommended to channel social learning, considering the sociocultural context and challenges of decentralization in Cambodia.
Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
(Journal Article, 2025-05-06) Rodriguez, Leonardo; Bastidas, Mike; Da Silva, Mayesse; Arias, Juliana; Martin Lopez, Javier Mauricio; Matiz Rubio, Natalia; Loaiza, Sandra; Idupulapati, Rao; Arango, Jacobo; Costa Junior, Ciniro
Accurate and cost-effective soil bulk density (BD) measurements are crucial for robust climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by ensuring reliable estimation of key soil properties, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the power probe method compared to the traditional core metal ring method (reference method) for measuring BD in acidic soils (Oxisols and Ultisols) in Colombia. Soil samples were collected from eight locations at soil depths of up to 1 meter, with fine fraction content ranging from 29% to 57% silt and 31% to 41% clay, covering two land uses: natural savanna (n=2) and planted pastures (n=6) (Urochloa humidicola cv. Tully). We found minimal differences between the use of metal ring and probe methods for BD measurements, indicating that both methods generate similar results. Out of 32 observations, only four showed significant differences at specific soil depths with varying silt or clay content. While the probe method showed higher variability, particularly in the 0–10 cm and 50–100 cm layers, which is likely due to soil compaction or stretching, it offers significant advantages in terms of cost reduction and improved work efficiency. While further validation is recommended for use in different soil types and conditions, particularly in clay-rich soils, integrating the use of power probe method in soil assessments can significantly enhance the efficiency of BD measurements. This is particularly relevant to support agricultural and SOC management initiatives while streamlining monitoring efforts for climate finance, where reliable, efficient, and cost-effective soil measurements are crucial.
Water and aquatic foods in revised principles of agroecology can accelerate food systems transformation
(Journal Article, 2025-05) Freed, S.; Lo, M. G. Y.; McCartney, Matthew; Allison, E. H.; Smith, Douglas Mark; Joffre, O. M.; Sinclair, F.
The interaction between climate change and agricultural intensification contributes to biodiversity loss, while widespread degradation of land and water undermine food system productivity. Agroecological principles aim to guide food systems transformation but rarely refer to water or aquatic foods, which are critical elements of nutritious, sustainable and equitable food systems. Here we examine the principles and frameworks presented in agroecological literature and suggest rephrasing of six of the principles to incorporate water, aquatic foods and land- to seascapes. We recommend three cross-sectoral actions that leverage aquatic features in agroecosystems to facilitate more effective transition pathways towards sustainable food systems.
CGIAR Research Initiative on Aquatic Foods: Annual Technical Report 2024
(Report, 2025-04-15) CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods
Aquatic Foods Initiative
(Video) HQ, WorldFish
The CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods aimed to build the resilience of aquatic food systems and unlock their full potential by scaling research and innovations. Working closely with research partners in fisheries and aquaculture, civil society, industry, and governments, the Initiative contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the production of aquatic foods, and enhance ecological and social resilience through development and dissemination of improved fish strains, better management practices, integrated fish-rice production systems, and fish-friendly irrigation systems.
Imagining island food system futures with Indigenous foods: A tok stori on the experiences and potential of traditional food systems in provinces of Solomon Islands
(Brief, 2024-12-31) Wate, Jillian Tutuo; Tikai, Pitakia; Lodu, Esther; Vaike, Lyn; Saeni-Oeta, Janet; Bennet, Gregory; Eriksson, Hampus
Transition to unhealthy food choices and lifestyles is causing health problems for Solomon Islanders. Due to these circumstances, a tok stori was organized in 2023 to start addressing the following question: “what does a vision for a healthy and safe food system comprise?” (Tutuo et al. 2023). To follow up on these discussions, WorldFish and the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) organized a second series of forums called Island Food Systems in Transition: Strengthening Indigenous Food Systems in Solomon Islands. The forums were hosted in Gizo, Western Province, on June 13, 2024, and in Buala, Isabel Province, on August 14, 2024 . These forums brought together rural actors and key stakeholders (i) to talk about traditional farming and aquatic foods under a nutrition-sensitive approach and (ii) to listen to ideas about what the future of food systems in Solomon Islands could look like at the provincial level.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Capacity Building Training Workshop
(Internal Document, 2024-12-29) Bonilla Anariba, Sara; Adam, Rahma; Njuguna-Mungai, Esther; Njuguna, Ruth
This three-and-half day Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) training workshop was designed to equip researchers and partners of AABS and NARES from Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda with foundational GESI knowledge and the tools needed to conduct gender research and design development interventions within AFS. The workshop aimed to encourage knowledge exchange through interactive methods, including group activities, role-playing, and collective discussions.
The WorldFish Experience with Impact Assessment
(Presentation, 2024-09-05) Rossignoli, Cristiano
This presentation focuses on impact assessment, which measures changes attributed to specific interventions such as projects, programs, or policies. It aims to identify causal effects while distinguishing them from other influencing factors. Topics covered include the characterization of aquaculture systems in Bangladesh, challenges and limitations, GIFT Tilapia (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia), characterization methodology, alternative data and digital tools, and impact assessment.
Sustainability impacts of ecosystem approaches to small‑scale aquaculture in Bangladesh
(Presentation) Rossignoli, Cristiano
Aquatic food is vital for food security in Bangladesh, where fish accounts for up to 60% of animal-based protein intake. As the world’s 5th largest aquaculture producer, the sector has expanded significantly, supporting livelihoods and food security. Small-scale aquaculture, particularly in inland ponds, dominates production, contributing 94% of national output. Around 4.3 million rural households (20% of the population) manage homestead ponds, typically 0.08–0.10 hectares in size. This presentation introduces the EcoPond Model, along with the methodology and key findings, highlighting how ecosystem-based approaches enhance sustainability, improve resource efficiency, support biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience in small-scale aquaculture.
Development of an economic trait prioritization for Tilapia in Nigeria: Survey (deliverable 2) progress summary
(Internal Document, 2024-06-26) Cole, Steven; Adams, Chris; Byrne, Tim
Deliverable 2 (participatory survey and typology analysis) uses economic weights calculated in Deliverable 1 (economic modelling) to capture trait preference and typologies based on survey feedback from key stakeholders. In Tilapia, these surveyed stakeholders will include farmers and hatchery operators, but may also encompass other value chain actors, including wholesalers /retailers depending on primary breeding objectives. The Deliverable 2 output will be a set of trait preference coefficients that fine-tune (up or down) economic values from Deliverable 1 based on input from each typology. Applying these trait preference coefficients to economic values help in understanding stakeholder’s trait improvement preferences and ensures the systematic integration of stakeholders’ preferences into selection and breeding decisions to support faster and more balanced rates of genetic gains and deliver improved fish species that meet industry needs.
Tilapia aquaculture characterization in India: A cluster level analysis
(Internal Document) Brako Dompreh, Eric; Bayan, Baban; Panemangalore, Arun; Rossignoli, Cristiano
Tilapia farming can play an important role in enhancing the availability and affordability of fresh fish by increasing consumption and boosting nutrition outcomes, including for the most vulnerable communities. Using structured household surveys, 2133 tilapia farmers were interviewed in three states: Kerala. Tamil Nadu and Chharttisgarh. The result of the study suggests that there are four (4) main clusters of tilapia producers in India.
Smoking fish in Shortland Islands
(Brief, 2024-11-30) Atu, Stenneth; Kiyo, Wilson; Eriksson, Hampus
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) fisheries policy aims to facilitate sustainable use of inshore and inland fisheries for rural men and women that access, use and benefit from them, through improved preservation, market access and enhanced livelihood opportunities. Accordingly, the MFMR has carried out research to identify challenges and opportunities in the smoked fish value chain. This brief summarises some of the findings, including the origins and development of Shortland Islands smoked fish production from a traditional subsistence form to a marketable commodity. The focus is on the process from fish landing through to sales, and the gender differentiation of roles in production and marketing.
Impact assessment of aquaculture in small reservoirs pilots in northern Ghana: a baseline technical report
(Report, 2024-12-30) Zane, Giulia; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Appiah, Sarah; Asare, G.
The CGIAR Resilient Aquatic Foods Systems Initiative (RAqFS) aims to enhance the resilience of aquatic food systems by addressing systemic challenges. As part of this initiative, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) partnered with the CSIR Water Research Institute and the Fisheries Commission of Ghana in 2023 to co-design and implement an aquaculture pilot in four small reservoirs across four communities in the North-East Region of Ghana. The pilot project engaged groups of 10-15 individuals in each community, ensuring the inclusion of youth and women, and provided them with technical training and essential inputs to undertake tilapia cage culture. The groups cultivated fish in August-September 2023 and completed the first cycle in September-October 2024.
Predicting turbidity dynamics in small reservoirs in Central Kenya using remote sensing and machine learning
(Journal Article, 2025-02) Steinbach, S.; Bartels, A.; Rienow, A.; Kuria, B. T.; Zwart, Sander Jaap; Nelson, A.
Small reservoirs are increasingly common across Africa. They provide decentralised access to water and support farmer-led irrigation, in addition to contributing towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. Water quality monitoring is essential to ensure the safe use of water and to understand the impact of the environment and land use on water quality. However, water quality in small reservoirs is often not monitored continuously, with the interlinkages between weather, land, and water remaining unknown. Turbidity is a prime indicator of water quality that can be assessed with remote sensing techniques. Here we modelled turbidity in 34 small reservoirs in central Kenya with Sentinel-2 data from 2017 to 2023 and predicted turbidity outcomes using primary and secondary Earth observation data, and machine learning. We found distinct monthly turbidity patterns. Random forest and gradient boosting models showed that annual turbidity outcomes depend on meteorological variables, topography, and land cover (R2 = 0.46 and 0.43 respectively), while longer-term turbidity was influenced more strongly by land management and land cover (R2 = 0.88 and 0.72 respectively). Our results suggest that shortand longer-term turbidity prediction can inform reservoir siting and management. However, inter-annual variability prediction could benefit from more knowledge of additional factors that may not be fully captured in commonly available geospatial data. This study contributes to the relatively small body of remote sensing-based research on water quality in small reservoirs and supports improved small-scale water management.
Baseline study: Digital fisheries and scaling postharvest technologies to reduce aquatic food waste and loss in coastal Kenya
(Dataset) Manyise, Timothy; Brako Dompreh, Eric
The baseline study on Digital Fisheries and Scaling Postharvest Technologies to Reduce Aquatic Food Waste and Loss in Coastal Kenya provides a comprehensive dataset on the socio-economic characteristics, fisheries management practices, and postharvest challenges faced by fisherfolk and fish traders. Conducted across the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, this study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess the adoption of postharvest technologies, digital tools, access to resources and participation, and infrastructural gaps affecting fisheries productivity and fish loss and waste. The findings highlight critical barriers, including limited awareness of digital technologies, inadequate cold storage facilities, and financial constraints that contribute to significant postharvest losses. The dataset serves as a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners seeking to enhance fisheries management, strengthen fisheries value chains, and promote sustainable aquatic food systems in Kenya’s coastal regions.
Introducing the Nusatupe innovation hub – showcasing the best of the sustainable island food systems
(Video) Palmer, Neil; Eriksson, Hampus; Wate, Jillian Tutuo; Bennet, Greg; Saeni-Oeta, Janet
It must be one of the most unusual and remote research outposts within CGIAR: The Nusatupe innovation hub inhabits the southwestern corner of the tiny coral atoll of Nusatupe, in Western Province, Solomon Islands. Surrounded by aquamarine waters, and with a Marine Protected Area close by, Nusatupe has been the site of a WorldFish research station for 40 years or so – remote from the rest of the world but very close to the lives of Solomon Islanders. Its recent transformation from a research station into an innovation hub is part of a much needed reinvention of the facility, to ensure it is responsive to the needs of local institutions, fishers, farmers and youth. It now undertakes and showcases a range of activities from coral replanting to fish preservation and handling, to indigenous food gardens, bringing in visitors from around Solomon Islands to show what nutritious, sustainable island food systems can look like.
Big Data for Small-scale Fisheries - Peskas in Timor-Leste
(Video) Palmer, Neil; Tilley, Alexander; Sozinho, Villiam
Small-scale coastal fisheries in Timor-Leste (East Timor) are a vital source of food and income for thousands of people. But the lack of data on where fishers go and how much they catch has made it challenging for the government to develop policies to support and sustain the sector. Enter Peskas, a groundbreaking digital catch monitoring system developed by WorldFish with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta, Pelagic Data Systems, and the CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods. Peskas captures and shares critical fish catch data that enables smarter decision-making, and more sustainable management of coastal fisheries. In this short film you’ll learn all about how the innovation works, set in the stunning surroundings of Timor-Leste. Peskas is now being scaled up to four African countries with the support of UK International Development. Shot and produced by Neil Palmer for WorldFish.
Shrimp farming and the struggles of landless women in Paikgacha, southern coastal Bangladesh: implications for nutrition-sensitive agri-food system
(Brief, 2024-12-30) Begum, Salma; Sharma, Indu K.; Joshi, Deepa; Garrett, J.
Advancing equitable access to common pool water resources for fishers in coastal Bangladesh
(Brief, 2024-12-30) Sharma, Indu K.; Joshi, Deepa; Rahman, M.; Moyna, S. S.; Mukit, T.; Mou, M.; Haque, N.; Ghosh, J.; Basnet, Sahara
2024 harvest age data for rohu (G4) and catla (G1) spawned in 2023
(Dataset) Hamilton, Matthew; Akhter, Md
WorldFish Carp Genetic Improvement Program growth data collected at harvest age for rohu (G4) and catla (G1)

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