By Rushdie Oudia
Kisumu, Kenya: Fish farming in Kisumu County has expanded since the Economic Stimulus Package was introduced, a new survey shows.
Kisumu County has great potential for aquaculture since the region is endowed with good climate that favours farming of a variety of fish species.
The survey revealed that successful farmers in aquaculture were expanding and increasing the number of their ponds. This has encouraged other people to follow suit.
However, the survey carried out in Nyando Sub-County revealed that low adoption of aquaculture was attributed to negative perception, as many people still believe that good fish was only found in the lake and not ponds.
Lake Victoria Environmental Programme’s Sustainability Watch (SUSWATCH) National Co-ordinator Nobert Nyandire said in central Nyando, only 10.1 per cent were engaging in aquaculture while 26.9 per cent were in lower Nyando.
The adoption of fish farming could help to supplement the dwindling fish stocks in Lake Victoria.
Start-up cost
However, Nyandire said perceived high cost of start-up was a big problem for groups in the region.
The survey revealed that poor management skills had also contributed to lack of interest in aquaculture.
Data from the fisheries offices estimated the total fish ponds in Nyando to be 1,100 yet SUSWATCH believes Nyando and the sub-counties surrounding it could actually double or triple the number.
Flooding in Kisumu County, especially Nyando, Muhoroni and Nyakach, was also cites as a challenge since flood waters normally wash away ponds during rainy seasons.
“Proximity to the lake was a major deterrence to fish farming as people close to the lake think it is easier to fish in the lake therefore shunning fish farming,” said Nyandire.
