Fish farmers in Vihiga County have received a significant boost following the distribution of 3,600 bags of fish feed donated by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through the Advancing Resilient Nutrition Sensitive Aquaculture Project (ARNSA).
The project, implemented under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the County Government of Vihiga, aims to promote sustainable fish farming and improve livelihoods in the region.
Speaking during the distribution event, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichillo commended farmers for their patience as they awaited the feeds, which arrived just as most were nearing harvest.
Each farmer is expected to receive eight bags of fish feed.
“Fish farming is a promising business venture that can help reduce poverty in our communities. Apart from improving nutrition, the sale of surplus fish can provide meaningful income to our farmers,” said Governor Ottichillo.
The governor announced plans to establish a fish feed factory in Mwitoko next year to make feeds more affordable and accessible compared to current market prices.
He also unveiled a proposal for a five-year aquaculture development programme to ensure continuous training, supply of inputs, and technical support for farmers.
Dr Ottichillo further revealed that the county government is partnering with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) to set up an agricultural college that will train farmers in smart and sustainable agricultural practices.
The County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Julius Maruja, said the aquaculture initiative is inclusive, benefiting women, youth, and persons living with disabilities, in line with government policy.
He added that plans are underway to open fish kiosks to promote local fish consumption and marketing.
“We already have the first outlets established in Kaimosi, run by youth, and in Chavakali, managed by women’s groups,” Maruja noted.
He lauded farmers for their resilience, acknowledging that many had resorted to using personal funds to make or buy feed as they awaited the NORAD-ARNSA supplies.
Meanwhile, Wodanga Ward MCA Vincent Atsiaya, who also serves as the Leader of the Minority and a member of the County Agricultural Committee, urged farmers not to lose hope due to earlier delays in receiving the feeds.
“Farmers were right to raise concerns over the six-month delay, which was initially expected to be two.
Their persistence ensured the issue was resolved, and today we are seeing the results,” said Atsiaya.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and farmers to strengthen aquaculture as a viable source of food security and income in Vihiga County.
By Rose Wasike
