Wild‐Caught vs Cage‐Cultured Nile Tilapia From Lake Victoria: Nutritional Quality and Policy Implications for Aquatic Food Systems in Africa

Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) is a critical aquatic food source in sub‐Saharan Africa and is increasingly farmed through cage aquaculture. However, limited evidence exists on how cage culture influences its nutritional quality relative to wild stocks, particularly in Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake. This study evaluated the potential contributions of wild‐caught and cage‐cultured Nile tilapia to the recommended daily intakes (RDI) of essential amino acids (EAAs), long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and selected micronutrients, with particular relevance for nutritionally vulnerable groups. Fish muscle samples were collected from cage systems in Dunga (DCF; Winam Gulf) and Mfangano (MCF; open lake), alongside wild counterparts from adjacent habitats: Winam Gulf wild fish (WGWF) and open lake wild fish (OLWF). Analyses included proximate composition, cholesterol, amino acid profiles, and fatty acid profiles, including EPA and DHA. Nutrient contributions were visualized using radar plots, and water quality parameters were concurrently measured to assess environmental influences. All fish types contributed over 60% of the RDI for most EAAs per 100‐g serving, with OLWF exceeding 100% for methionine. Notably, OLWF contributed more than 240% of the adult RDI for EPA + DHA, compared to approximately 60%–64% in cage‐cultured fish. Cage‐cultured fish (DCF and MCF) exhibited higher total fat and cholesterol levels but lower omega‐3 fatty acid concentrations than wild fish. Elevated nutrient loading in Winam Gulf was associated with increased lipid and cholesterol accumulation in DCF. In contrast, wild fish, particularly from the open lake, showed more favorable nutritional profiles, including higher essential fatty acids and lower cholesterol. These findings highlight the nutritional advantages of wild fish while underscoring the need to optimize aquaculture practices, particularly feed formulation and environmental management, to enhance the nutritional quality of farmed tilapia. The results have direct implications for nutrition‐sensitive aquaculture policy and food system planning in East Africa.