As the fish population in Kenya's Lake Victoria decreases, local fishermen try to compete with cheaper fish imports from China.

Source: CNN

Prof Charles Ngugi in his farm in Mwea. PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Some of the challenges I face as a fish farmer is lack of reliable market.
• For a farmer who is starting, it is very important to know where you will sell your produce first.

Introduction

Aquaculture (farming fish under controlled condition) in Kenya is a new technology striving to satisfy a growing market for food fish and alleviate poverty in rural areas. Currently it is one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture in the World. Farmed Fish is increasing becoming popular and profitable. The main warm-water fishes grown in Kenya are Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus. These two species are fast becoming the new "cash crops" of the counties. Thus growing public demand for a healthy tasty and affordable protein food is stimulating the "boom"in this industry. The decline in wild fish populations as a result of overharvest and water pollution (in Lake Victoria and other water bodies) has therefore promoted the culture of farmed fresh fish that are grown in contaminant-free waters in static pond, tank and cage systems.