Farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, are benefiting from extensive training aimed at boosting fish production and enhancing national food security. The training, which covers the breeding of catfish, tilapia, and ornamental fish, is part of a broader initiative to introduce advanced aquaculture techniques and modern technologies to local farmers. Kirinyaga, a region renowned for its rice production through the expansive Mwea Irrigation Scheme, is now turning its focus to the aquaculture sector to diversify its agricultural output.
At the Ornamental Aquafarm in Kangu, Mwea East Sub-county, the farmers were given hands-on training on breeding techniques, including the extraction of eggs from female fish, fertilisation, and the incubation of fingerlings. This practical approach aims to ensure maximum production of high-quality fish stock while addressing food security issues within the county.
According to Stanley Mworia, CEO of the Aquaculture Association of Kenya, the goal of this training is to empower farmers with knowledge that can significantly increase fish production. By using modern technologies, farmers are taught how to breed catfish fingerlings and monosex tilapia, formulate their own fish feeds, and focus on value addition after harvest. This value addition, Mworia noted, would allow farmers to earn more from their produce by enhancing the marketability of their fish.
“We are conducting this training in collaboration with the Technologies for African Agriculture Transformation (TAAT) programme, which aims to improve fish production across the continent,” Mworia explained. “We want our farmers to not only produce fish but to learn how to create their own feeds and add value to their produce to maximize profits.”
One of the trainers, James Bundi, highlighted the incorporation of aquaponics technology in the training. This innovative system allows farmers to use the same water for both fish farming and crop production, making it ideal for areas facing water scarcity. The integration of such technologies is critical as climate change increasingly impacts water resources, Bundi explained.
“We are training farmers to adopt systems like aquaponics that address water quantity issues. With water becoming increasingly scarce, it’s important to establish systems that maximize its use. Aquaponics is a perfect solution because it allows farmers to grow fish and crops simultaneously with minimal water use,” said Bundi.
He further emphasized that these technologies allow for the reuse of water within the farming system, making it more sustainable. Once used in fish farming, the nutrient-rich water can be redirected to grow vegetables, creating a closed-loop system that boosts production while conserving water.
In the face of changing climatic conditions, Bundi stressed the need for farmers to embrace these innovative technologies. “We’re seeing farmers here in Kirinyaga adopting systems that focus on maximizing nutrient use from water, which is increasingly becoming a scarce resource. This not only improves production but also ensures sustainable farming practices that can withstand climate challenges.”
Farmers who participated in the training expressed their enthusiasm for the new knowledge they gained. Margaret Karimi, one of the beneficiaries, shared how the training has changed her approach to fish farming. A fisheries graduate who is now a full-time fish farmer, Karimi explained that the training helped correct previous mistakes she had made in her breeding process.
“We’ve learned so much, particularly in breeding catfish and tilapia,” Karimi said. “In the past, we did a lot of things wrongly, but now, with this training, I’m confident our production will improve significantly. I encourage other youths to take up fish farming as a business—it’s a great way to employ yourself and others while contributing to food security.”
The training initiative is part of a larger effort by the Aquaculture Association of Kenya, in collaboration with both the national and county governments, to promote fish farming across the country. As more farmers adopt these practices, the sector is poised to make a significant contribution to both local economies and national food security.
With a strong focus on youth participation, the programme hopes to inspire more young people to view farming as a viable economic activity. By providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed, the initiative aims to empower the next generation of farmers in Kenya.
