This shortage threatens the delicate balance of Lake Victoria’s ecosystem. It also means that many people no longer have access to a local, affordable source of protein that is vital for their nutrition and health.

It is for this reason that Farm Africa is helping farmers like Florence to make a success of aquaculture, or fish farming as it’s more commonly known. It really is a great solution: not only does it help families improve their diets, it also generates income, creates employment and protects the precious natural resource that is Lake Victoria from further damage.

Florence and her husband ventured into fish farming 10 years ago. They dug their first pond with the help of the Kenyan government, who gave them fingerlings (baby fish) to kick-start their business. But without specialist training and equipment, they soon found that there was little profit to be made from their pond.

In April last year, Florence made the decision to join the Farm Africa fish farming project. Our expert project team taught her feeding techniques that will help her rear bigger and better quality fish. With the technical skills in place, we also gave Florence business training to help her keep up with market trends and identify the best opportunities to sell
her fish.

Today, Florence and her husband have four fishponds – each full to the brim with tilapia and catfish. Florence sells her fish at the local market and, as her business grows, so does her confidence. One day she hopes to supply her whole village with the fish they need to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Stories from our work

Read more highlights from our work to find out how with your support, we are giving farmers in eastern Africa the chance to take control of their own futures.

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