Over 180 fishermen and their families from the Ngeri Bay Fishing Community in Suba South, Homa Bay County, are set to benefit from the distribution of 12 fish cages, each capable of holding 35,000 fingerlings. This initiative is part of the Aquaculture Business Development Programme, marking a significant step toward transitioning local fishermen into fish farming. The overarching aim of this project is to enhance economic empowerment within the fishing communities and provide sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative is designed to help these fishermen diversify their income sources, which have traditionally been limited to catching fish from Lake Victoria. With the decline in fish stocks and the increasing competition among fishermen, relying solely on wild fish catches has become unsustainable. Fish farming offers an alternative that could provide a steady and reliable income while also contributing to food security in the region.
The 12 fish cages that will be distributed to the fishermen will enable them to start fish farming on a commercial scale. Each cage can hold up to 35,000 fingerlings, which will grow into mature fish ready for harvest. The project will not only increase the availability of fish but also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to get involved in the fish farming value chain. From feed production to fish processing and marketing, this project is expected to stimulate various sectors of the local economy.
The transition from traditional fishing to fish farming is expected to bring several benefits to the community. First, it will reduce pressure on the wild fish stocks in Lake Victoria, which have been overexploited for years. By adopting sustainable fish farming practices, the community can ensure a steady supply of fish without depleting the natural resources. Additionally, fish farming can provide a more predictable income stream, as it is not subject to the fluctuations in fish catches that are influenced by weather patterns, water levels, and other environmental factors.
The programme also offers training and capacity-building opportunities for the fishermen. They will receive guidance on best practices for fish farming, including cage management, feeding, and disease control. This knowledge transfer is crucial to ensuring the success of the initiative and the long-term sustainability of fish farming in the region.
Moreover, the project is aligned with national efforts to promote aquaculture as a key driver of economic growth. The government has recognized the potential of fish farming to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the country’s food security. As part of the broader Aquaculture Business Development Programme, this initiative aims to support the growth of the aquaculture sector across the country, with a focus on marginalized communities like those in Suba South.
In the long term, the success of this initiative could lead to the establishment of a more robust aquaculture industry in Homa Bay County and beyond. It could also serve as a model for other fishing communities around Lake Victoria, where similar challenges are faced. By embracing fish farming, these communities can not only secure their economic future but also contribute to the sustainable management of the region’s aquatic resources.
