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Showcasing the potential of Kenya's farmed fish

Agrientrepreneurs queuing up to sample farmed fish delicacies Agrientrepreneurs queuing up to sample farmed fish delicacies
Every year, Eldoret’s Agribusiness Trade Fair gives Kenya’s ‘agri-entrepreneurs’ a chance to showcase new technologies and ideas. Farm Africa’s aquaculture experts were keen to make the most of this opportunity - because the transformative potential of Kenya’s fish farms is a message that needs to be shared.

In Kenya, the demand for fish is rising, but due to overfishing, supplies from natural water sources are dwindling. Fish farming is a sustainable solution that takes the pressure off wild fish stocks as well as bringing jobs and income to those involved. But with people hesitant to swap the nation’s favourite - wild tilapia - for farmed alternatives, the solution isn’t always an easy sell.

That’s why Farm Africa used the 2017 Agribusiness Trade Fair to showcase the versatility and variety of Kenya’s farmed fish. With chefs on hand to prepare tempting local delicacies (including fish kebabs and fish fingers), the proof was in the produce. The team also took this chance to promote an unconventional ingredient: catfish. Making up just 17% of Kenya’s fish production, you won’t find this whiskered fish on many menus.

But with supplies of wild tilapia falling desperately low, it is important that Farm Africa helps change attitudes towards eating alternative kinds of fish. It might not be pretty, but the catfish’s year-round breeding cycle and nutritional value make it the perfect choice for Kenya’s fish farmers and consumers alike.

Our samples went down well, and we were pleased to see people put looks aside and enjoy this tasty source of nutritious protein. Who knew farmed fish could taste so good!

We used the opportunity at the fair to find out about consumption habits. We wanted to find out if people were willing to eat catfish, it’s excellent, but it looks better in the form of a fish finger!

Arnoud Meijberg, Aquaculture Team Leader, Farm Africa

 

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