Farmers while undergoing training in Kobura, Kisumu County.
Farmers in Nyando, Kisumu County are excited as Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) has offered to help them in improving their impact.
Among them is the EnviroAgric Youth Group from Kobura, which has embraced black soldier fly technology to advance fish farming while promoting sustainable practices.
The program has provided the group with training that has enabled them to utilize waste from slaughterhouses to rear black soldier fly larvae, which are then used as fish feed. Speaking during a field visit led by the ABDP Project Steering Committee, the group’s chairman, Leonard Were, lauded the initiative for its contribution to waste management and the provision of affordable feed.
“The training we received has helped us turn waste into a valuable resource. This not only supports sustainable fish farming but also creates a cleaner environment for our community,” said Were.
The field visit, chaired by Fisheries and Blue Economy Secretary Rodrick Kudu, provided an opportunity to showcase how the program is enhancing fish farming practices in the region. Were expressed gratitude for the support received, noting that the initiative has helped link farmers with reliable suppliers of fish feed and other resources.
One of the individual beneficiaries, Joash Abende from Wang’ang’a village in Nyando, shared how the program has transformed his fish farming enterprise. After receiving pond liners, fish fingerlings, and specialized training, Abende has successfully expanded his operations.
“Since joining the ABDP program, I have harvested fish three times,” said Abende. “The profits I’ve made have allowed me to invest in three ponds, each stocked with 1,000 fingerlings. This has significantly improved my income and living standards,” he said.
The success of the program has motivated other farmers in the region to embrace aquaculture as a sustainable income-generating activity. Many are calling for its expansion to benefit more communities and increase fish production.
The ABDP program, jointly funded by the Kenyan government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to boost income, food security, and nutrition for rural families involved in fish farming. It operates in 15 counties, including Kisumu, and provides a comprehensive support package that includes pond construction, pond liners, predator control kits, high-quality fish feed, fingerlings, and expert training.
Farmers in Nyando have praised the program for addressing challenges that previously hindered their ability to scale up production. The provision of resources such as predator control kits has enabled farmers to safeguard their investments, while access to quality feed and fingerlings has improved yields.
For many farmers, the impact of the program goes beyond improved productivity. The training sessions have equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt best practices in aquaculture. This has enhanced the sustainability of their farming activities, contributing to long-term economic empowerment.
As fish farming gains momentum in Nyando, the demand for additional support continues to grow. Farmers have emphasized the need for more resources to construct additional ponds and expand the reach of the program. With the rising demand for fish in local and international markets, stakeholders see aquaculture as a critical driver of economic growth in the region.
The ABDP program’s focus on promoting sustainable practices has also resonated with local communities. By turning waste into valuable feed, the initiative has not only reduced the cost of fish farming but also addressed environmental concerns. Farmers like Leonard Were believe that such innovative approaches are key to ensuring the long-term viability of aquaculture.
The program’s success in Kisumu County has positioned it as a model for other regions seeking to enhance food security and improve rural livelihoods. Its holistic approach, which combines resource provision with capacity building, has created a strong foundation for sustainable development in the aquaculture sector.
As more farmers embrace fish farming, the ABDP program continues to demonstrate its potential to transform rural economies. By empowering communities with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed, it is paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya’s fish farming industry.
The positive impact of the program has been widely acknowledged, with stakeholders urging continued investment in aquaculture. For farmers in Nyando, the journey has just begun, and the possibilities for growth and prosperity remain endless.
