Fingerponds : CRC Press : 9780415416962 : 0415416965 : 18 Jan 2007 : Wetlands play an important role in the livelihoods of many rural households particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, due to decline in rainfed terrestrial agriculture, many wetlands are being encroached upon to grow crops. The question to any wetland scientist/policy maker in the region is: what efforts can be made to achieve a balance between human needs for food and income and maintenance of ecosystem integrity?. This study analyses the potential of smallholder integrated aquaculture farming systems (called ?Fingerponds?) around the Lake Victoria wetlands in Kenya. Various analytical tools were used to evaluate the biophysical suitability, nutrient flows, benefits and environmental implications of this innovative technology. The critical biophysical factors determining Fingerponds productivity are site selection and water supply. The analysis of nutrient flows in the entire agroecosystem using nitrogen as the cu