Climate-smart aquaculture as a tool for blue economy revolution in Botswana: a review

Abstract

Climate Smart Aquaculture (CSAq) has the potential to transform Botswana’s aquaculture sector and contribute to the development of a resilient blue economy. This study synthesizes existing literature on Botswana’s climate, hydrology, and aquaculture prospects to evaluate the suitability of CSAq across the country. The analysis identifies three climatic regions: Okavango-Chobe, Eastern margin, and Arid Southern-Western regions. The Okavango-Chobe region, characterized by seasonal pans, lagoons, and lakes, is well suited to traditional aquaculture and can be further enhanced through integrated pond systems, integrated wetland aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture systems, biofloc technology, aquaponics, and Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture systems, subject to strict conservation requirements. The Eastern margin presents moderate aquaculture potential, supported by constructed dams and capture-based aquaculture, with Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), biofloc, aquaponics, and Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture Systems (IAAS) offering viable climate smart options. In contrast, aquaculture development in the Arid Southern-Western region is largely restricted to ultra-water efficient systems, including RAS, biofloc, and aquaponics. Key constraints to CSAq adoption include limited technical capacity, climate variability, unfavorable environmental conditions, and restricted access to finance. These challenges can be addressed through targeted capacity building, adoption of ultra-efficient production technologies, diversification strategies, increased research investment, and innovative financing mechanisms. The study recommends that successful CSAq adoption in Botswana be underpinned by policy and institutional frameworks that emphasize conservation compliance, sustainable water resource management, green energy technologies, and human capacity development.