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Scaling Up Aquaculture: Preparing for Cage Installation to Boost Fish Production

Introduction

The Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), through a partnership between IFAD and the Government of Kenya (GoK) is supporting riparian counties in a transformative cage aquaculture project in Lake Victoria.

Significant progress has been made in preparation for the project’s launch with key milestones already achieved setting the stage for immediate cage deployment. While installation is yet to be completed this initiative is designed to enhance fish production and empower small-scale fish farmers across the five riparian counties i.e Homabay, Migori Kisumu, Siaya and Busia counties.  Beneficiaries will receive floating fish cages, specialized training, and market access, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and long-term success in the aquaculture sector.

Key Milestones Achieved So Far
  • Cage Procurement Completed – The first batch of high-quality, durable cages has been secured and is ready for installation.
  • Site Selection Finalized – Extensive assessments were conducted to identify the most suitable lake areas with the right water depth, oxygen levels, and minimal environmental impact.
  • Beneficiaries Identified and Engaged – Local fishers and small-scale farmers have been selected to receive cages, with onboarding sessions underway.
  • Training and Capacity Building Initiated – Beneficiaries are being trained on cage management, fish feeding, and disease prevention to ensure long-term success.
  • Regulatory Approvals Secured – Necessary permits and environmental assessments have been completed to align with sustainable aquaculture practices.

What’s Next? Preparing for Immediate Cage Deployment

With all preparatory steps in place, the next phase involves:

  • Transporting and Installing Cages – Logistics are being finalized for the deployment of cages into the lake.
  • Stocking Fish Fingerlings – High-quality fingerlings will be introduced into the cages immediately after installation.
  • Full-Scale Operations Begin – Farmers will start managing their cages, with ongoing technical support to ensure optimal fish growth.
Why This Matters

This initiative marks a major shift towards sustainable high-yield fish farming that will:

  • 🌍 Protect wild fish stocks by reducing overfishing pressure.
  • 📈 Increase fish production to meet local and regional demand.
  • 💰 Boost incomes for fish farmers and create new employment opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The journey has just begun and we are excited to see the impact unfold. Stay tuned as we share updates on cage installation fish stocking and the first harvest cycles in the coming months.

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