Integrated Fish Farming Practices for Sustainable Food Production and Income Generation in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Integrated fish farming systems are gaining recognition in Ethiopia as a sustainable way to boost productivity, income and food security. However, there is a noticeable lack of scientific analysis regarding the operations and conditions of these systems in the country. This review dives into the various types and components of integrated fish farming, examining aspects like productivity, yield benefits, profitability, economic value, resource efficiency, environmental advantages and challenges, and limitations faced in Ethiopia. We gathered information from a range of sources, including databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, as well as documents from the FAO, WorldFish and Ethiopian agricultural research institutes reports. To assess the feasibility of integrated fish farming for optimizing resources, enhancing soil fertility through fishpond effluent and boosting agricultural output and rural livelihoods, we reviewed 90 articles published between 2010 and 2025. The findings indicate that the most commonly used models in integrated systems include fish–vegetable, fish–rice and fish–livestock integrations, candidate fish species like Nile tilapia, African catfish and common carp. Yet, several challenges hinder widespread adoption, such as a lack of technical expertise, limited access to quality inputs, water management issues and legislative gaps. To overcome these challenges, a collaborative effort is essential to build capacity, improve infrastructure and establish market connections. In summary, integrated fish farming system has the potential to transform smallholder farmers in Ethiopia into sustainable food producers, generating income, while also contributing to climate resilience, sustainable aquaculture production and poverty alleviation in the country.