WorldFish, through the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS), partners with Shamba Shape Up to deliver scalable, climate-resilient aquaculture and coastal resource management solutions across East Africa.
This collaboration transforms research into practical guidance, reaching thousands of small-scale farmers and fishers with tools and strategies that improve productivity, reduce losses, and strengthen livelihoods.
Blue Economy Special: Seaweed Farming
Along Kenya’s coast, farmers are cultivating seaweed in sustainable and innovative ways. Through Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), they combine seaweed with fish and shellfish farming to boost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Case example: Cooperatives in Kwale County add value by processing seaweed into high-demand products, creating new income streams while promoting community-based resource management.
Technology, Traceability & Post-Harvest Solutions
Fishers are using accessible technologies to improve safety, sustainability, and market value. GPS trackers enhance navigation safety and prevent overfishing, while fuel monitoring and catch traceability support smarter fisheries management. Solar-powered ice machines and dryers reduce post-harvest losses and maintain product quality.
Case example: In Kilifi, fishers using solar-powered cold storage saw reduced spoilage and higher prices for their catch, directly improving household incomes.
Integrated Livelihoods & Enterprise Development
Coastal communities are diversifying livelihoods through practical, locally led initiatives.
Case example: At the Umoja Group, farmers integrate shrimp, fish, crabs, and sea cucumbers in tide-fed polyculture ponds. Solar-powered freezers ensure harvests remain fresh, supporting market-ready sales. Meanwhile, the Kibuyuni Dagaa Processors, an inspiring group of women, combine traditional blanching and sun-drying methods with simple innovations like repaired nets and solar lighting, improving product quality and reducing waste.
These examples highlight how innovation, community cooperation, and practical interventions translate into real economic benefits and sustainable use of coastal resources.
About Shamba Shape Up
Shamba Shape Up is a leading Kenyan agricultural reality show reaching 4–6 million viewers across East Africa. The programme delivers practical, action-oriented guidance on crops, livestock, and aquaculture practices. Its entertainment-education format ensures small-scale farmers and fishers, including those in remote or vulnerable communities, can adopt improved techniques effectively.
Strategic Partnership
AABS and Shamba Shape Up translate research into solutions that small-scale producers can implement immediately. The collaboration emphasizes:
- Adoption of climate-smart aquaculture practices
- Reduction of fish loss and post-harvest waste
- Strengthened market linkages and income opportunities
This approach ensures donor investments in knowledge dissemination achieve measurable, on-the-ground impact.
Results & Impacts
Through 10 aquaculture segments across 2.5 episodes, WorldFish and Shamba Shape Up reached coastal audiences cost-effectively.
Scale of reach:
- ~123,000 viewers per episode in coastal counties
- ~370,000 cumulative viewers reached
- ~35,000 fish farmers reached per episode
- ~52,000 individual fish farmers reached overall
Inclusive outreach:
- 26% women (~14,000)
- 36% youth under 35 (~19,000)
- 32% living below USD 2.15/day (~17,000)
Behaviour change and early outcomes:
- 75% (~39,000) reported improved knowledge and reduced fish loss
- 26% (~14,000) adopted new practices
- 22% of adopters (~3,000) reported production gains within three months
Why This Matters
This collaboration demonstrates a high return on investment for knowledge dissemination, using mass media to rapidly scale adoption of improved aquaculture practices. By reaching tens of thousands of small-scale producers, including women, youth, and low-income households, it contributes directly to:
- Increased productivity and incomes
- Reduced post-harvest losses
- Strengthened resilience to climate and economic shocks
- Improved food and nutrition security
Concrete examples from seaweed cooperatives, polyculture farms, and women-led processing groups illustrate the transformative potential of targeted knowledge transfer combined with practical support.
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