Integrated multitrophic aquaculture investment brief: Kenya

Abstract

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) offers a sustainable alternative to conventional monoculture systems by integrating species across trophic levels to improve resource efficiency, environmental performance, and income diversification. In Kenya, IMTA adoption remains limited despite its potential benefits. This investment brief presents an evaluation of the economic viability of investing in three IMTA business models in Kenya. Generally, investment in IMTA requires a relatively higher upfront cost than investment in monoculture production systems. However, the returns on investment from IMTA—reaching up to USD7 for every USD1 invested—substantially exceed those achievable under monoculture systems, thereby offsetting the higher initial capital requirements. IMTA has the potential to enhance sustainability, attract investment, and support scalable aquaculture development in Kenya.