<scp>Unlocking</scp> the potential of integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture in coastal <scp>Kenya</scp> : Assessment of system status, stakeholder awareness, and pathways for sustainable mariculture development

Abstract

Abstract Integrated Multi‐Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is an emerging system that offers a model for sustainable aquaculture intensification, yet its global uptake is limited while its utilization in sub‐Saharan Africa remains unknown. This study assessed the status of mariculture systems, stakeholder awareness, and pathways for IMTA adoption along Kenya's coastline to inform sustainable mariculture development. A mixed‐methods approach was applied across five counties—Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River—using structured surveys ( n = 300), focus group discussions ( n = 15), and key informant interviews ( n = 19). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and logistic regression, while qualitative insights were thematically coded and triangulated. Results show that aquaculture is predominantly small‐scale (95.3%) and pond‐based (68.3%). There were significant regional differences in aquaculture systems and species composition ( χ 2 = 113.311, p &lt; 0.001; Cramer's V = 0.658). Though IMTA adoption was low (2.3%), willingness to adopt was high across the counties. Ordinal logistic regression confirmed county as a significant predictor of willingness ( χ 2 = 47.996, p &lt; 0.001), with the strongest effects in Kwale ( β = 2.023, p &lt; 0.001) and Lamu ( β = 1.363, p &lt; 0.001). Multinomial regression identified lack of knowledge, capacity, and financial resources as major barriers ( χ 2 = 67.038, p &lt; 0.001). Qualitative findings emphasized grassroots innovation potential and strong community interest, contingent on training and infrastructure support. This study establishes a baseline for guiding IMTA policy, demonstrating strong latent readiness for inclusive, climate‐smart mariculture within Kenya's Blue Economy strategy.