Integrating Fish Farming into Runoff Water Harvesting Ponds (RWHP) for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Farmers’ Perceptions and Opportunities in Burkina Faso

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems are recognized as sustainable solutions to optimize resources, support livelihoods, and enhance food security in climate-sensitive Sahelian regions. In contexts like Burkina Faso, runoff water harvesting ponds (RWHPs) improve agricultural yields during the rainy season but remain underutilized for the rest of the year. This study assesses the feasibility of integrating fish farming into these ponds. Using the Waso-2 tool, structured perception interviews were conducted with 51 farmers across 17 localities. Welch ANOVA and Games–Howell tests revealed, on a scale of 20, that water insufficiency scored 16.01 among experienced farmers without additional water access as a key obstacle, while pond degradation scored 17.69 for those with water access. For motivations, income generation scored 16.24 among inexperienced farmers, whereas training opportunities scored 17.65 for experienced ones, highlighting varying priorities across strata. Farmers preferred fish farming effluents over NPK for vegetables, scoring 15.99. Some favored raw effluents for immediate use, scoring 13.91, while others preferred decanted water with dried sludge for gradual nutrient release, scoring 12.39. This study demonstrates strong farmer interest in integrated RWHP systems. Enhancing pond retention, supplementing groundwater, and providing tailored training in aquaculture practices, pond maintenance, and water management are recommended to encourage adoption.