The role of indigenous knowledge in fisheries resource management for aquaculture development: A case study of the Kenyan Lake Victoria region

Abstract Indigenous knowledge is critical in the conservation of wild fish genetic resources and consequent development of fish seed for improved aquaculture production. Local fisher communities rely on aquatic resources mainly for livelihood and subsistence and have therefore come up with systems to manage these resources for sustainable use. This study aimed at identifying the role of indigenous people's knowledge in fish conservation as a way of improving aquaculture, with a specific focus on the conservation of aquaculture fish species in Kenya. Data was collected from individual fisherfolk through semi‐structured questionnaires and field observations. Pearson's chi‐square test was performed on variables that were predicted to influence indigenous knowledge. The chi‐square tests revealed a significant relationship between age and indigenous knowledge (χ 2  = 15.153, p  = 0.004). Results also revealed a significant relationship between an individual's years of residence in the area and indigenous knowledge (χ 2  = 17.767, p  = 0.003). It was found that the indigenous people use various concepts and strategies for fish conservation and fish production. From the findings of the study, it is recommended that scientists and policy actors should adopt the indigenous people's knowledge as a source of baseline information for fisheries and aquaculture research, and as additional or alternative strategies for the management of fish genetic resources.