By Bisola Adeyemo
Kenya government in collaboration with the Swedish Government has pledged support for local farmers venturing into aquaculture by providing both technical and financial support.
A total of 18 fish farmers in Homa Bay County, former Nyanza Province in Kenya, benefited from the fishpond liners worth Sh2.5 million through Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDP).
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Aguko Juma, who spoke with KNA explained that government is keen on alternative methods of fish production that will relieve the existing pressure on Lake Victoria.
“The quantity of fish within the lake has reduced immensely and this is why we are doing our best to encourage more fish farmers by providing reliable alternatives that will reduce the dependence on the lake.”
He assured that the department will also partner with other Non-Governmental Organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support fish farmers especially the youths and those who are so eager to become fish farmers as a way of increasing food production.
“The County Government will acquire fish fingerlings for the farmers who received the pond liners. They will also get support from our extension services officers throughout the process.”
