KENYA – Fish farmers in Migori, Kenya, have received a significant boost with a Sh1.2 million grant from the Norland grant under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP).
The funds aim to enhance the fishing industry in the South Nyanza Region and support artisanal fish farmers in the county.
Sammy Macharia, the National Programme Coordinator of ABDP, confirmed the grant and emphasized the program’s commitment to filling nutrition gaps and building capacity for the agribusiness fishing community in Migori County.
As part of the initiative, ABDP plans to create smart kiosks to help fishmongers reach more markets, both locally and globally.
Macharia highlighted the importance of the smart kiosk initiative, which not only expands market reach but also provides cold storage facilities for fish preservation.
“This move is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the overall value chain in the fishing industry.”
The ABDP grant project is not limited to Migori County alone. Macharia revealed that grants will also be extended to Nyeri and Vihiga counties in Kenya, with broader coverage including Tanzania and Mozambique to empower fish farmers across Africa.
George Ochola, the Migori County Chief Officer in Charge of Fisheries, expressed gratitude to ABDP for selecting Migori for the grant.
He urged local fish farmers to embrace the project, emphasizing its potential to increase daily income. Ochola disclosed that the grant would fund 29 fish cages in Lake Victoria, contributing to the growth of fish farming in the region.
Furthermore, Ochola mentioned the establishment of cold storage at Got Kachola in Nyatike Sub County, a move aimed at reducing fish losses after harvest and improving overall storage infrastructure.
Rebecca Marito, the Acting Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, highlighted the grant’s objectives of enhancing fish production and creating ready markets.
She congratulated the county government and farmers for their readiness to embrace the life-changing project.
Marito emphasized that the grant would also facilitate the renovation of fish landing sites and cold storage facilities in the South Nyanza region, ultimately improving value addition and attracting more markets.
Ruth Okeyo, Fishmongers and Chairperson of Awendo Samaki, praised the ABDP’s efforts to enhance the fishing industry.
She emphasized the significance of smart kiosks with installed cold storage in marketplaces, expecting a reduction in fish spoilage and an increase in daily income for fishmongers.
“The initiative addresses a critical issue faced by the industry – the perishability of fish – and aims to bring positive changes to the market dynamics.”
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. HERE