What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate how aquaculture affects food security and livelihoods in Eritrea's coastal areas through policy analysis.

March 12, 2026Open Access

Aquaculture Development, Coastal Livelihoods and Food Security in Eritrea: A Policy and Governance Analysis

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate how aquaculture affects food security and livelihoods in Eritrea's coastal areas through policy analysis.
Mixed-methods approach combining policy document review and household survey
Survey conducted across three coastal sub-regions with 217 households
Logistic regression model to analyze relationship between policy engagement, aquaculture participation, and food security
Households involved in aquaculture had a 32% higher dietary diversity score compared to those not involved
Identified weak institutional coordination hindering effective policy implementation
Emphasized the importance of women's access to microcredit for sustaining aquaculture operations

Abstract

Aquaculture is promoted as a sustainable pathway to enhance food security and coastal livelihoods in developing nations. However, its integration into national policy frameworks and its tangible impacts on local communities in the Horn of Africa remain critically under-examined. This study analyses the policy and governance structures shaping aquaculture development and evaluates its contribution to household food security and income diversification in coastal communities. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a systematic policy document review with a household survey (n=217) across three coastal sub-regions. The relationship between policy awareness, engagement in aquaculture, and food security was modelled using a logistic regression: (pᵢ) = ₀ + ₁ X₁₈ + ₂ X₂₈ + ᵢ, where pᵢ is the probability of improved dietary diversity. Robust standard errors were clustered at the community level. Policy frameworks were found to be fragmented, with weak institutional coordination hindering implementation. Households engaged in aquaculture activities reported a 32% higher dietary diversity score (95% CI: 24% to 40%) than non-engaged households. A key theme was the critical role of women's access to microcredit in sustaining small-scale operations. While aquaculture demonstrates significant potential for improving food security, its benefits are constrained by disjointed governance and unequal access to capital and training. Integrate aquaculture policy within a cohesive national food security strategy; strengthen extension services targeting women's groups; and establish community-based monitoring of coastal resource use. aquaculture policy, food security, coastal livelihoods, governance, Horn of Africa This paper provides the first integrated analysis of national aquaculture policy and household-level survey data from the country, identifying a specific mechanism linking microcredit access for women to project sustainability.

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