Research Article
Typology of Freshwater Aquaculture Farms in Northern Senegal: A Mixed Data and Hierarchical Clustering Approach
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
166-180
Received:
9 August 2026
Accepted:
19 August 2026
Published:
9 September 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaas.20261205.11
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Abstract: Understanding the diversity of aquaculture production systems is essential to designing effective development strategies and targeted public policies. In Senegal, however, few quantitative typological approaches have been used to characterize freshwater fish farms. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the main types of freshwater fish farms using a multivariate approach combining mixed-factorial data analysis and hierarchical principal component analysis. A descriptive analysis of thirty-six farms located in the main production areas of northern Senegal was conducted using quantitative and qualitative variables describing production infrastructure, farming systems, water resources, feeding practices, energy sources, hatchery availability and producer characteristics. The first five dimensions of mixed-factorial data analysis, which explained 59% of the total data variability, were used in the cluster analysis. Four distinct farm typologies were identified: river cage farming systems, groundwater-based tank farming systems, river-fed pond farming systems, and integrated hatchery farming systems. Farm differentiation was primarily driven by production infrastructure, water sources, feeding strategies, hatchery activities, and the level of production integration. The age of fish farmers and their aquaculture experience contributed little to the classification. The typology provides a valuable framework for tailoring extension services, investment priorities, and development policies to the different farm profiles. Additionally, this methodological approach can be applied to other aquaculture contexts and can be strengthened by the integration of economic, zootechnical, health, and environmental indicators in order to promote more resilient and sustainable aquaculture development.
Abstract: Understanding the diversity of aquaculture production systems is essential to designing effective development strategies and targeted public policies. In Senegal, however, few quantitative typological approaches have been used to characterize freshwater fish farms. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the main types of fresh...
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,
Robane Faye*
