Small-scale freshwater aquaculture, income generation and food security in rural Madagascar

Small-scale production has come to the forefront of debates on just and sustainable transformations of food systems because of their potential contributions to communities’ livelihoods and food security. Small-scale freshwater aquaculture holds the promise to positively contribute to income generation and food security [1]. Yet, the evidence of the relationship between them is scarce, particularly in the Global South. This paper aims to address this gap by investigating the relationship between the small-scale freshwater aquaculture sector, livelihoods, and food security in six regions of Madagascar. Using data collected onsite in 2021, the results indicate that the presence of extension services, the adoption of integrated production systems, and higher education levels are positively related to fish income generation. On the other hand, higher wealth levels, women in a decision-making position, fish consumption, and higher levels of education are positively associated with food security.