KENYA – In an effort to address rising food expenses and enhance the school feeding program, the Aquaculture Business Development Program (ABDP) has introduced pond fish farming for tilapia cultivation in schools within Kisumu County.
Kevin Wamira, the County Project Coordinator, highlighted that ABDP has provided crucial support to participating schools, including assistance with pond construction, donation of pond liners, predator kits, tilapia fingerlings, fish feeds, cone garden materials, and extension services.
The collaborative effort with the Kisumu County Directorate of Fisheries aims to promote the school feeding program while enhancing dietary diversity through fish farming and kitchen gardening.
The successful implementation of the program was exemplified by the recent harvest of 278.14 kilograms of tilapia fish at St. Agnes Muhoroni Primary School in Muhoroni Sub County.
Charles Abonyo, the school’s headteacher, expressed appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the positive impact the fish harvest would have in supplementing the regular diet of students, typically consisting of githeri, rice, and beans, by providing them with essential proteins.
Abonyo commended the ABDP for establishing a community-based resource center to facilitate learning about the Competency Based Curriculum.
He urged other schools in the region to allocate resources for pond fish farming to maximize the benefits of this sustainable and nutritious food source.
The introduction of kitchen gardening alongside fish farming has gained significant traction among learners, with some students extending these practices to their homes.
According to Abonyo, the approach will not only contribute to dietary diversity but also promotes environmental consciousness and self-sufficiency among students.
He underscored ABDP the initiative’s importance of integrating aquaculture into educational institutions, not only as a means of providing nutritious meals but also as an educational tool that empowers students with practical skills and knowledge about sustainable farming practices.
“As the program continues to yield positive results, it is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at promoting food security and enhancing educational experiences across the region.”
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