Urgent Need for Fish Farmers’ Interests on the National Agenda

The recent devastating fish kill incident in Busia County, where over 150 cages experienced significant losses, underscores the urgent need to address the plight of fish farmers in Kenya. Authorities attribute this calamity to upwelling events and poor water quality due to high mollusk populations leading to low oxygen levels. Affected areas, such as Mulukoba, Rudacho, Bumbe, and Busembe beaches, reveal a pattern of neglect and mismanagement that jeopardizes the livelihoods of fish farmers and the health of Lake Victoria.

The Crisis Unfolds

Fish farmers in Busia County are grappling with the aftermath of extensive fish kills that have devastated their operations. The situation has been exacerbated by the placement of fish cages in shallow waters and their close proximity to one another. While authorities have pointed fingers at natural phenomena, stakeholders argue that pollution from commercial and domestic waste has significantly degraded the lake’s ecosystem. If there had been an effective early warning system in place, the catastrophic losses might have been mitigated. Farmers could have harvested even immature fish before the situation deteriorated further.

This tragic incident is a wake-up call that demands immediate action and strategic planning to protect fish farmers’ interests. It’s crucial to note that the heating of Lake Victoria, locally known as “Kaliro,” is not a new phenomenon. This environmental change affects not only farmed fish but also wild fish populations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies.

Neglect of the Fisheries Sector

Despite the increasing investments in commercial fishing by both farmers and county governments, the fisheries sector has been largely overlooked in terms of policy and implementation. The enactment of the Fisheries Management and Development Act of 2016 aimed to establish bodies for sustainable utilization of the blue economy, including the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Institute. However, the promised initiatives, such as the formation of a functional Fisheries Service Advisory Council and a comprehensive Kenya Fish Marketing Strategy Authority, have yet to materialize. This lack of action has left fish farmers vulnerable and struggling to navigate the challenges they face.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

Historically, the fisheries sector in Kenya has faced numerous challenges, including:

1. Weak Policy Framework: The absence of a cohesive and enforceable policy framework has hampered progress in the sector. Farmers often operate without clear guidelines, leading to inconsistencies in practices and standards.
2. Limited Access to Markets: Fish farmers frequently encounter barriers in accessing markets, leaving them reliant on brokers who exploit their labor and resources. This issue stifles the potential for fair pricing and profit maximization.
3. Low Productivity: The sector’s productivity remains low, with inadequate yields that undermine food security and wealth creation. Farmers lack the resources and training needed to enhance their production capabilities.
4. Weak Institutional Capacity: Regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the fisheries sector often lack the capacity to effectively monitor and enforce regulations. This gap has led to increased illegal fishing activities and environmental degradation.
5. Lack of Information Technology: The fisheries sector has been slow to adopt technological advancements that could improve monitoring, traceability, and operational efficiency. This oversight hinders the sector’s ability to respond to emerging challenges effectively.

Regional Disparities and Economic Implications

Regions with rich natural fish production, such as Western and Nyanza, have remained underdeveloped, while areas traditionally not associated with fishing have aggressively shifted to fish farming. The migration of fish processing factories from Western Kenya to Jinja and Kampala in Uganda highlights the economic decline of the Kenyan fisheries sector. As small beach towns in Uganda thrive, Kenyan landing beaches stagnate, resulting in significant economic losses and diminishing livelihoods for local fishermen.

The recent fish kill incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to revitalize the fisheries sector. Implementing cold storage facilities and promoting value addition in fish processing could attract investment and bolster the industry’s resilience against unforeseen challenges.

The Role of Government and Stakeholders

To safeguard the future of the fisheries sector, a coordinated effort involving various stakeholders is essential. The revival and strengthening of the Fisher People’s Parliamentary Group (FPPG) is critical in advocating for the interests of fish farmers at the national level. This group can work to influence policy decisions and raise awareness of the challenges facing the sector.

Engaging Fishing Communities

The involvement of government officials, including figures like Waziri Hassan Joho, in engaging with fishing communities is vital. Policymakers must prioritize the implementation of existing laws and administrative codes to protect fish farmers and the broader blue economy. Establishing a dialogue with fishermen will foster an environment of collaboration, allowing stakeholders to address pressing issues collectively.

Embracing Sustainable Practices

Lake Victoria, as Africa’s largest freshwater lake, supports over 40 million people in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its resources are integral to the economies of these countries, providing essential livelihoods and economic opportunities. Embracing a more sustainable approach to fisheries management will yield long-term benefits for environmental security, human well-being, and economic competitiveness.

Experts emphasize the importance of responsible consumption and production practices in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12. This entails promoting the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, encouraging the fishing community to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances.

Policy Recommendations

1. Strengthening Policy Frameworks: Developing a comprehensive policy framework that supports sustainable fisheries management and empowers fish farmers is essential. This framework should include guidelines for cage placement, pollution control measures, and strategies for disaster response.
2. Investing in Infrastructure: Allocating resources for the development of cold storage facilities and processing plants will enhance the value chain and minimize losses during adverse environmental events.
3. Improving Access to Markets: Establishing direct market links for fish farmers will reduce reliance on brokers, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts.
4. Enhancing Extension Services: Implementing farmer education programs and extension services will equip fish farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions and market demands.
5. Utilizing Technology: Adopting technological solutions for monitoring water quality, tracking fish movements, and enhancing operational efficiency will significantly improve the resilience of the fisheries sector.
6. Reviving Fisher People’s Parliamentary Group: Reactivating the FPPG will ensure that fish farmers’ interests are represented in national policy discussions, enabling them to advocate for their rights and needs effectively.

Conclusion

The challenges facing fish farmers in Busia County and beyond are indicative of a larger crisis within the Kenyan fisheries sector. Urgent action is needed to prioritize the interests of fish farmers on the national agenda. By implementing comprehensive policies, investing in infrastructure, and engaging with fishing communities, Kenya can revitalize its fisheries sector, ensuring that it contributes to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The time for change is now; without immediate intervention, the livelihoods of millions who depend on Lake Victoria’s resources hang in the balance.