Tilapia farming in tropical developing countries operates under different welfare constraints than production in developed markets. Supporting welfare improvements in these contexts requires culturally appropriate approaches.
Improving tilapia welfare in tropical smallholder systems requires approaches that are practically feasible within the constraints of small-scale production. Simple interventions including pond aeration, reduced stocking density, and improved harvest handling are achievable and produce meaningful welfare benefits. Export market certification schemes increasingly provide leverage for welfare improvement in producing countries.