Stakeholders dealing in fish production from Kisumu County converged at a workshop under the Aquaculture Business Development Program (ABDP) to review the activities, challenges faced during implementation and way forward for the next phase at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega.
The stakeholders brought on board included: County fisheries docket, Fish farmers, Captain feeds, Aquaculture Ban, LBDA, Aquarage, and Aquaculture Association of Kenya among other County officers.
Speaking during the workshop, the CECM, Mr. Gilchrist Okuom called on the stakeholders to be result oriented in meeting the objectives of the program and also implored on farmers to keep records.
Concerning the report on evolution of aquaculture in Kisumu County, the Minister challenged the farmers to be in a position that they can enumerate how the program has changed their livelihoods.
On his part, the Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Michael Arika who represented the County Commissioner during the workshop thanked the county for the cordial working relationship with the County adding that he looks forward for better partnership.
He noted the stride made by the County in employing the village heads who are key in cascading government policies and information up to the village level.
On review, he said the purpose of the meeting is to analyze the strides the stakeholders have made with the program especially after making sales, have the farmers been in a position to plough back the proceeds to enhance production. The glaring challenges and the possible recommendations as the project moves to the next phase.
Presentations were made by the Sub County officers implementing the project who included: Ms. Aphline Aoko from Kisumu West, Mr. Partick Yalo from Nyando, Mr. Walter Koskei from Nyakach, Mr. Mutahi from Muhoroni and Mr. Collins who represented the project Coordinator Mr. Kenneth Luga. Their presentations highlighted the successes and the challenges realized during the implementation period during this financial year.
So far 489 level one fish farmers supported with aquaculture inputs making a total of 911 beneficiaries. 478 male, 243 female and 190 youths.
However, the challenges experienced range from delay or withdrawal of planned activities due to Covid 19 pandemic, inadequate access to quality fish feeds and fingerlings, delayed disbursement of program funds hence slow implementation among others.
Also present during the workshop was the County Director for Fisheries madam Susan Adhiambo who led the plenary discussions.
By: Emily Mikwa