Fish Farmers in Nyeri Face Challenges While Embracing Aquaculture

Fish farmers in Nyeri County have been vocal about the various challenges they encounter as they embrace fish farming in the region. This shift towards aquaculture marks a significant change from the traditional reliance on cash crops like coffee and tea.

In the Kabaru area of Kieni East, we visited Catch Samaki Farm, managed by Onesmus Githui. He shared his insights on the hurdles faced by fish farmers in this evolving industry. Githui recounted a particularly devastating experience when he estimated a loss of around 80,000 Kenyan shillings due to the death of a substantial number of fish. This incident not only impacted his finances but also served as a wake-up call about the vulnerabilities inherent in fish farming.

One of the primary challenges highlighted by Githui is the lack of access to clean water, which is crucial for the health and growth of fish. Many farmers struggle to maintain optimal water conditions due to contamination and inadequate supply. Additionally, the availability of quality fish feed remains a pressing issue, with many farmers unable to source feed that meets the nutritional needs of their fish.

Despite these obstacles, Githui remains optimistic. He noted that the Agricultural Development and Betterment Program (ADBP) has been instrumental in providing guidance and support to local fish farmers. The organization has been actively promoting best practices in aquaculture, aiming to educate farmers on effective fish farming techniques that can minimize losses and improve yields.

As the demand for fish continues to rise, Githui believes that with the right support and resources, fish farming can become a lucrative venture for many in the region. He emphasized the need for collaboration among farmers and stakeholders to address these challenges collectively.

With the changing agricultural landscape in Nyeri, the journey of these fish farmers represents not just a shift in farming practices but also a transformative opportunity for economic growth and sustainability in the community.