You are here: Home > Where we work > Kenya > Strengthening the aquaculture ecosystem in Kenya

Strengthening the aquaculture ecosystem in Kenya

If you're looking to start your own fish farm, or increase your fish production, please visit our fish farmers' resource centre.

The problem

Demand for fish in Kenya is increasing rapidly due to population growth, rising disposable incomes and increased awareness about the nutritional benefits of fish. But the country’s wild fisheries are struggling to meet demand.

Despite being fraught with impediments in policy and market systems development, the Kenyan aquaculture industry has the potential to fill the existing supply gap and spur socio-economic development by increasing employment opportunities and boosting incomes for fish farmers.

Farm Africa has been actively implementing aquaculture projects since 2011, initially setting up a network of aqua shops to help disseminate high quality equipment and inputs; promoting the adoption of aquaculture best practices for improved production, as well as strengthening market systems and the policy environment so that farmers can turn their ponds into profitable enterprises.

What are we doing?

Strengthening the Aquaculture Ecosystem in Kenya project (SAEK) aims to build a resilient and inclusive aquaculture environment that will promote economic justice for smallholder farmers.  This will be done through knowledge sharing in market systems, business development and finance, as well as lobbying for enabling policies that will help farmers to build successful businesses by capitalising on the rising demand for fish.

The programme will strengthen the Aquaculture Association of Kenya’s (AAK) capacity to push for enabling reforms at both the county and national levels, and also support the Cage Culture Association of Kenya (CCAK) to advocate for a clear self-regulatory framework that will ensure environmental sustainability.

The following video outlines some of the tips we give on how to feed fish so as to minimise waste and maximise profit:

Aquaculture research publications and videos Aquaculture research publications and videos

Explore Farm Africa's collection of aquaculture research and policy products

Read more >

Who are we working with?

Farm Africa is implementing the programme in partnership with Echo Network Africa (ENA), Kenya Female Advisory Organisation (KEFEADO), The Aquaculture Association of Kenya (AAK), County Governments of Kakamega, Busia, Homa Bay, Siaya and Vihiga, State Department of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Victory Farms and Rio Holdings.

SAEK is co-funded by Open Society Foundations (OSF) over a period of two years. The project will intervene in Kakamega, Busia, Homa Bay, Siaya and Vihiga counties.

For more information on our fish farming projects in Kenya, see our Kenya Market-led Aquaculture Programme that ran from 2016 until 2019. 

 

Stay up to date with the latest news and projects