Migori County, located along the shores of Lake Victoria, has witnessed remarkable growth in fish production, thanks to a strategic partnership with the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP). This collaboration, initiated in 2019, has transformed the county’s fish farming landscape, leading to a substantial increase in output and fostering local economic growth.
Historically, Migori County has been underutilizing its vast aquatic resources. With 523.32 square kilometers of Lake Victoria’s water surface, the county’s fish production was limited due to reliance on traditional fishing methods within the lake. However, the introduction of inland fish farming by ABDP marked a turning point. The program focused on the establishment and rehabilitation of fish ponds, the development of inland cage farming, and the construction of dams.
According to Ms. Judith Okinda, the County Director of Fisheries, ABDP’s interventions have been transformative. In mid-2023, fish harvests reached 22.8 metric tonnes, a notable increase from 18.2 metric tonnes in 2019. By June 2024, production had surged to 45 metric tonnes, with the fish valued at KSh 36 million. This growth is attributed to the adoption of new technologies, including fish pond liners, predicate kits, nets, solar power installations, cold rooms, and improved fingerlings and feeds.
The ABDP’s efforts have been extensive. In 2023 alone, the program facilitated the construction of 21 new fish ponds, distributed 150,000 mono-sex fingerlings, and stocked three dams, thereby expanding the fish farming culture in Migori. The initiative has also supported 1,346 active fish farmers, providing them with essential equipment and training to enhance their aquaculture practices.
The introduction of cold room facilities, known as ‘Smart Kiosks,’ at Isebania and Uriri urban markets is expected to further boost fish production and reduce post-harvest losses. These facilities will enable better preservation and handling of fish, ensuring that more of the catch reaches the market in optimal condition.
Simon Karoki, the County Fisheries Officer and ABDP program coordinator, highlighted the significant strides made since the program’s inception. They have rehabilitated 700 ponds and constructed 400 new ones, with plans to focus on community fish cages to enhance production in Lake Victoria. This approach aims to provide traditional fish farmers with a supplementary income stream, as fish in cages will be harvested every four months, complementing their lake fishing activities.
ABDP’s impact extends beyond just increasing fish production. The program is active in 29 wards, having provided 97 pond liners, 409,000 fingerlings, and 87 tonnes of fish feed. These efforts are designed to improve community livelihoods, market linkages, nutritional health, and food security. Additionally, the program has stimulated job creation within the fish transport, trade, and marketing sectors, addressing local unemployment challenges.
George Ochola, the County Chief Officer for Fisheries and Blue Economy, noted that the rise in fish production and consumption is partly due to a cultural shift towards increased fish-eating, particularly among the Kuria community. The depth of Lake Victoria in Migori is also ideal for fish caging systems, which could further boost production.
Despite the advancements, traditional fish farmers have expressed a preference for daily catches over the waiting period of seven months for fish in cages. To address this, the ABDP partnership is committed to ongoing community sensitization and training on modern fishing technologies to empower local fishermen and ensure sustainable development.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Migori County and the ABDP has significantly revitalized fish production, leveraging modern technologies and practices to maximize the county’s aquaculture potential. The program not only enhances economic opportunities but also fosters a sustainable and culturally adaptive fish farming industry in the region.
