Empowering Women Fisherfolk in Kenya with IoT: A Revolution in Fish Farming

Along the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya, women fisherfolk are harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionize fish farming, counter sexual exploitation, and improve their livelihoods. This digital transformation is providing new opportunities for women who were traditionally marginalized in the male-dominated fishing industry, particularly those who once endured the degrading practice known as “sex for fish” or “Jaboya.”

Milly*, a fish trader and farmer, used to rely on sexual favors to obtain fish stocks from fishermen, a common predicament for many women in the region due to dwindling fish populations and harsh competition. Now, thanks to IoT technologies, Milly and other women have gained independence by breeding tilapia in digitally monitored floating cages on Lake Victoria. These cages, equipped with sensors that monitor water temperature and fish health, allow the women to manage their farms via smartphones, bypassing the exploitative bargaining with fishermen.

The introduction of IoT in fish farming is part of broader efforts by organizations such as Aquarech Limited and Rio Fish Limited, which specialize in aquaculture technology and empower women through training and digital tools. These companies provide precision agriculture technologies and business models that allow fish farmers to buy feed on a “buy now, pay later” basis, thus reducing financial barriers to entry.

Women involved in these programs have reported significant changes in their lives. By owning and managing fish cages, they have freed themselves from Jaboya, achieved financial independence, and contributed to eradicating poverty in their communities. The digitalization of the fisheries value chain around Lake Victoria starts with sensors placed in fish cages that provide real-time data on water conditions, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about feeding and harvesting.

At Osoi beach in Migori County, a focus group discussion organized by SciDev.Net highlighted the positive impact of these technologies. Women fisherfolk expressed how their involvement in digitally monitored fish farming has allowed them to take control of their economic destinies. As Angela Errie*, a participant, noted, “Since we started the project, we have learned everything. After harvesting, we shall continue and keep the money at the bank, without [men] knowing what we have.”

The impact of IoT extends beyond individual empowerment; it also has broader implications for food security and poverty reduction. By taking direct ownership of fish production, these women contribute to improved nutrition in their communities and support their families through earnings from fish farming.

However, the transition to digital fish farming has not been without challenges. Issues such as fish perishing in cages due to environmental factors and initial technological failures have highlighted the need for continuous training and support. Organizations like Aquarech have responded by replacing faulty equipment, retraining farmers, and scaling their IoT solutions to ensure sustainable success.

Despite these hurdles, the adoption of IoT in fish farming is transforming the fishing industry on Lake Victoria. More women are now participating in cage fish farming, moving away from the labor-intensive wild fish catch and challenging the traditional gender dynamics in the sector. As these technologies continue to evolve, they offer a promising path towards greater economic empowerment for women and a more sustainable future for communities along Lake Victoria.

Through the use of digital technologies, women fisherfolk are not only overcoming the exploitative practices of the past but are also paving the way for a new era of aquaculture in East Africa—one where technology and empowerment go hand in hand.