25/02/2022
BUSIA FARMERS TO GAIN MORE FROM FISH VALUE CHAIN.
The partnership between County Government of Busia and a number of universities and other research units has yielded fruits with over 150 farmers set to benefit from the fish value chain.
The County Government through the Department of Agriculture and Animal resources, Directorate of Fisheries on Monday hosted the launch of the second component “Seed Systems and Adaptive Research” under the Kenya Climate Smart Aquaculture program.
The universities which include; Maseno, Egerton, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Techology and University of Eldoret will contribute immensely in research towards the value chain.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Moses Osia said the aim of the collaboration is to find solutions to the various challenges facing the fish value chain in the County.
Dr. Osia said that the National Government is targeting 171,000 metric tons of fish by 2022 and that Busia County should be among the contributors to the agenda.
The Center Director of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Dr. Kevin Obiero said the program is going to take shape in three aspects coded three triple wins which encompasses increased productivity under the fish value chain, increased resilience of the farmer community and reduction of greenhouse gas which has caused havoc in the communities.
Under Fish value chain the KEMFRI team through KCSAP funds will implement four project areas;
Fish culture systems, fish marketing & value addition, fish strains & health management and fish feeds.
Chief Officer in the directorate of Fisheries and Agribusiness Moses Weunda underscored the important role research and collaborations has played in the growth of the fisheries industry and urged all the stakeholders present to make concerted efforts to transform Busia into the regional leading player it should be; in fish production and value addition.
He lauded the efforts of local universities in developing localized solutions to our local challenges in the agriculture sector.
Other Chief Officers in the department present included Ruth Mukhongo and Richard Achiambo.
Photo: A section of fish ponds at Bukani in Samia Sub County.
