Ethical Seafood Research, in partnership with UK-based FAI Farms, is leading a pioneering study to improve farmed Nile tilapia welfare in Kenya. This project, funded by WTS, will evaluate the use of the FAI Tilapia Welfare App as a practical tool for assessing and improving fish welfare in local aquaculture systems.

Tilapia farming is a vital and rapidly growing sector in Kenya that provides food security and livelihoods to thousands. However, challenges such as poor record-keeping, minimal water quality monitoring and the absence of structured health and welfare assessments affect fish wellbeing and farm productivity. Our research aims to bridge this gap by introducing a science-based, digital approach to monitoring animal welfare in aquaculture. 

The study will involve up to 100 tilapia farms, including both pond and cage systems, across key production regions. Three research assistants will be trained to conduct systematic welfare assessments using the app over an entire production cycle. Data collected will provide insights into welfare trends, management practices and environmental factors affecting farmed fish. Over the typical tilapia production cycle of 7 to 8 months, we will assess the app’s usability, analyse welfare outcomes, and engage with farmers to ensure practical adoption. 

This project builds on the success of the Tilapia Welfare Egypt project, where the FAI App has been successfully integrated into over 1000 commercial farms to enhance welfare monitoring. In Egypt, the App enabled farmers to track key welfare indicators such as water quality, stocking density, and fish health, leading to improved survival rates and productivity. Applying lessons learned from Egypt, this study will test the app’s adaptability to Kenyan conditions, refining its usability for local farmers. 

By empowering farmers with real-time welfare data, this initiative supports better farming decisions, reduces stress-related losses and promotes ethical production standards in Kenyan aquaculture. The project’s outcomes will serve as a model for digital-driven fish welfare improvements across Africa. 

For updates on this research, visit the ESR website and LinkedIn.

Cattle farming is central to Nigeria’s economy and food security, yet widespread challenges hinder the adoption of animal welfare practices across production systems. Socioeconomic constraints, cultural traditions, and limited access to resources prevent many farmers from implementing welfare-friendly approaches. While past efforts have focused on changing attitudes, research shows that attitude shifts alone do not guarantee improved practices.

This study takes an innovative approach by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to uncover the real motivations and barriers affecting cattle farmers’ decisions. By engaging 450 farmers across major cattle-producing regions, we are identifying the social, economic, and behavioural factors that shape their willingness and ability to adopt better welfare standards.

This research will generate evidence-based insights to guide policymakers, NGOs, development organizations, and industry leaders in designing practical, culturally relevant solutions through surveys, interviews, and advanced data analysis. By bridging the gap between knowledge and action, the study ensures that proposed interventions align with farmers’ realities, making adoption more feasible and sustainable.

The findings will improve cattle health and productivity and contribute to Nigeria's more ethical, resilient, and economically viable livestock sector. This research serves as a model for other African livestock sectors, paving the way for policies and initiatives that promote better animal welfare without compromising farmers’ livelihoods or economic realities.. 

For updates on this research, visit the ASL website and LinkedIn.