Food insecurity remains one of the most visible dimensions of poverty. The increasing population amid competition for land and water resources means that the global demand for food will continue to increase. In Kenya, the food insecurity trend is worrying as the population is expected to hit 55 million by 2020 against an annually declining arable land per capita and consequent increase in food prices. The Kenyan agricultural sector has failed to either eliminate or reduce malnourishment for poor populations as the annual national production for both staple food and livestock products fall short of national consumption levels. With increasing food production challenges like dwindling capture fisheries and impacts of climate change becoming more eminent, solutions to food insecurity and malnutrition in Kenya must bring quick results in food availability by stimulating more own-food production. Aquaculture has so far been recognized as an important opportunity to enhance household food security in developing countries. Aquaculture, the controlled land-based or open-ocean farming of aquatic organisms such as tilapia, catfish, finfish, shellfish and plants, is the fastest growing food sector globally alongside terrestrial crop and livestock production. Fish provides protective effects on a wide range on health including obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease. Fish has a nutrient profile superior to all terrestrial meats, an excellent source of high quality animal protein, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and vitamins. Unfortunately, in Kenya, fish has been only marginally included in the national debate on reduction of micronutrient deficiency, precisely where it could potentially have the largest impact.
Key words:Aquaculture, Malnutrition, Food fish;Climate change