By Wakhungu Andanje
Dec 16, 2024
KAKAMEGA, Kenya— The Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) has commended fish farmers across 15 counties for their efforts in expanding fish farming, marking significant progress in the program’s first phase, writes Wakhungu Andanje.
With an investment of 14 billion Kenyan shillings, the initiative aims to enhance food security and economic sustainability through aquaculture.
The ABDP steering committee, supported by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the Kenyan government, recently toured western Kenya to assess the program’s impact.
In Kakamega County, the committee disbursed 300 million shillings to support local fish farmers.
At the Butali Chegulo self-help group, 32 of 43 members now practice fish farming, having received essential resources including predator and bird nets, PVC liners, fingerlings, and fish feeds.
“We have been going around the counties to assess the status of our fish ponds and their production,” said Mr Kundu, an ABDP steering committee official.
“One major concern has been the quality of fingerlings that has seen poor production, but at the Labedcash Marine integrated farm, quality has been observed and we are impressed.”
Laban Mwanzo, owner of Labedcash Marine integrated farm, operates over 200 fishponds and supplies approximately 10 million fingerlings.
