
The ABDP County Program Coordination Committee today were on a field visit to the program beneficiaries across the county.
The visit program scheduled for 3rd to 4th December is meant to check on the progress of the beneficiaries, the challenges they face and to provide insights that can propel them to better production.
The team was led by the CECM Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Blue Economy Hon. Kenneth Onyango together with his counterparts CECM Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services Mr. John Awiti, CECM Sports and Culture, Madam Beatrice Odongo, the Chairperson Aquaculture Association of Kenya Kisumu chapter Mr. Njagi and the County Program Coordinator Mr. Kevin Wamira .

In Kisumu West Sub County the team visited Mr. Joel Aduma and Mr. Walter Ombewa of North Kisumu Ward.
Mr. Joel Aduma is a veteran fish farmer who started off during the Economic stimulus Program to date.
Mr. Aduma owns about 8 ponds and he has learnt to supply his fish according to the varied demands in the market. He also trains youths and other groups interested in fish farming.

Mr. Walter Ombewa has two ponds though elderly and he is currently grooming the grand son to take over. He is also practicing dairy farming and sells his milk to Seke dairy Cooperative.

Mr Richard Randa and the wife, Lucy Randa of west Kisumu Ward besides keeping fish, they have also integrated horticulture and vegetable production.
Most beneficiaries affirmed receiving better returns from fish that has enabled them diversify in other crops mostly fruits and vegetables, they are able to meet family needs and pay fees for their children.
However, with the recent heavy rains, some experienced overflow of the ponds as a result of surface runoffs and others still have challenges in getting feeds due to high cost.
According to the county program coordination committee, it’s envisaged that North Kisumu Ward should be an aqua park due to the favorable climate and availability of clean underground water throughout the season.
Currently, the farmers in that area have 45 stocked ponds and they have plans to increase the numbers.
The program coordination committee members also advised the beneficiaries to rope in many youths into the projects and make their farms a model that many people can visit to learn best practices that can be replicated in other areas.

