Fish Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Assessing Suitability of Earthen Pond Sites for Nile Tilapia in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Earthen pond aquaculture remains the dominant production system for Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) in resource-constrained regions, yet inappropriate pond siting continues to undermine productivity and sustainability. This study assessed fish farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding pond site suitability prior to GIS-based suitability modelling in Kisumu County, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 309 earthen-pond fish farmers was conducted, and KAP responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and multivariate techniques (Principal Component Analysis and Factor Analysis). Results revealed marked imbalances in farmers’ KAP. Knowledge was relatively high for water availability indicators, particularly proximity to rivers and groundwater access, but consistently low for critical water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH) and soil quality attributes (organic matter, nitrogen, clay content, and cation exchange capacity). Attitudes strongly favoured water security, flood avoidance, and market proximity, while water chemistry and soil fertility received weak endorsement. Practices mirrored these patterns, with limited water and soil quality testing but high consideration of socio-economic and visually observable land characteristics. Multiple linear regression showed that farmer age, household income, prior aquaculture training, and extension visits were significant predictors of KAP, jointly explaining 81% of the observed variation. PCA and Factor Analysis further identified four latent dimensions structuring site-selection decision-making: water availability and quality, land and soil characteristics, socio-economic feasibility, and training and extension support. The findings demonstrate that pond site selection among smallholder farmers is driven primarily by experiential and economic considerations, with insufficient integration of technical biophysical criteria. Strengthening targeted training, extension services, and access to affordable water and soil testing tools is therefore essential to improve site-selection decisions and enhance the sustainability of Nile tilapia pond aquaculture.