Farmers under the Namalenge Irrigation Project in Matayos Sub-county have urged the county and national governments to increase investment in fish farming.
Speaking after harvesting four tonnes of fish, the project farmers’ chairman Melitus Odongo said the success of the initiative demonstrates the need for more government support, particularly in the provision of fingerlings, fish feeds and construction of additional ponds.
“We have harvested four tonnes of fish, and, based on the feeding programme, we expect to sell each kilogram at between Sh350 and Sh400. This is not an individual project but a community initiative that is benefiting many families,” said Odongo.
He noted that fish farming has created employment opportunities for youth and improved household incomes, enabling families to meet basic needs.
Odongo called on residents living near wetlands to embrace aquaculture, either individually or through groups, to attract government assistance.
“Let us form groups and establish fish ponds so that we can access support from both levels of government. Fish farming is one way of achieving self-sustainability and improving our livelihoods,” he added.
Phylis Makokha, a farmer at the project, said the irrigation scheme has transformed their lives by ensuring a constant water supply for both fish farming and crop production.
“This project has given us an opportunity to sustain ourselves. Apart from fish farming, we grow vegetables because of the reliable water supply. From the fish harvest, we are able to pay school fees and cater to our daily needs,” she said.
Makokha challenged women in the area to take an active role in aquaculture, saying it is a viable and profitable venture.
“As women, we should come together in groups and engage in fish farming. It will help us become financially independent. The county government should continue supporting women and encourage more to join because the returns are good,” she said.
Busia County Director for Climate Change Dan Opilio said the Sh15 million Namalenge Irrigation Project is funded under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, supported by the World Bank in partnership with the county and national governments.
“This project is meant to empower the local community and improve resilience to climate change. What we are witnessing today with the fish harvest is a clear indication that the project is achieving its objective,” said Opilio.
He urged residents to take ownership of development projects initiated in their areas to ensure sustainability and maximum benefits.
Busia Director of Irrigation Dismus Otula said the Namalenge scheme is the only smallholder irrigation project in the county integrating aquaculture, horticulture and livestock production.
“The project has the capacity to cover 100 acres, but currently it is operational on 80 acres. It is the only project in the western region integrating the three agricultural enterprises,” said Otula.
He added that plans are underway to transform Namalenge into a technology transfer centre where farmers will receive training on modern irrigation systems and climate-smart agriculture to enhance productivity and income generation.
by Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
