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Unlocking the potential of fish farming in Kenya
According to official data, Kenya's annual fish production last year was 146,543 metric tonnes valued at Ksh24.5 billion and according to the ministry of agriculture, it is feared that local fish production cannot keep up with domestic demand. Angela Juliana Odero, Director and Co-Founder of Rio Fish Limited joins joins CNBC Africa for more.
Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:21:18 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The pandemic has brought both challenges and opportunities to the fish farming sector in Kenya, with prices escalating and consumption patterns shifting towards healthier choices.
- Rio Fish Limited is spearheading efforts to boost fish production through innovative methods such as cage fish farming and group formation to support aspiring farmers.
- The integration of smart technology, exemplified by the Real Fish App, is revolutionizing the aquaculture landscape in Kenya by enhancing productivity, market access, and sustainability.
Kenya's fish production industry is currently facing a critical challenge as the local demand for fish outweighs the supply. Angela Juliana Odero, Director and Co-Founder of Rio Fish Limited, sheds light on the impact of the pandemic on the industry and the innovative solutions being implemented to address the imbalance. Last year, Kenya produced 146,543 metric tons of fish valued at over 24 billion Kenyan shillings, but with the rising demand, there is a pressing need to boost production.
The pandemic has had a mixed effect on the fish farming sector in Kenya. While there have been challenges such as increased prices of inputs and shortages, there have also been positive outcomes. Fish prices have surged, enabling farmers to sell their produce at higher rates. Before the lockdown, fish was selling at $3 per kilo, but post-lockdown, prices have soared to $4 to $4.50 per kilo, a significant increase of 30 to 45%. This enhancement in profitability has incentivized farmers to strive for higher yields.
During the lockdown period, consumption of fish plummeted drastically, forcing many farmers to halt sales due to the lack of demand. However, as restrictions eased, there was a notable surge in consumption, with people increasingly opting for healthier food choices. Today, Rio Fish Limited is selling nearly 80% of its produce, indicating a strong market demand for fish as a healthy alternative.
In an effort to bridge the gap between demand and supply, Rio Fish Limited has adopted cage fish farming and has formed groups comprising women and youth who are keen on venturing into fish farming. By providing financial, technical, and marketing support, the company is not only encouraging more people to take up fish farming but also ensuring a sustainable market for their produce.
Access to finance has historically been a significant barrier for small and medium enterprises in the agriculture sector. However, there is a positive shift with the government and financial institutions offering soft loans to aquaculture farmers. Collaborations between organizations like IFAIRD and the government are facilitating the provision of financial resources to farmers, thereby promoting the commercialization of fish farming.
The integration of smart technology in fish farming is a game-changer that is gradually gaining momentum in Kenya. Rio Fish Limited has developed the 'Real Fish App' targeted at small and medium-scale farmers to promote precision farming. Through the app, farmers can access information on feeding practices, choose quality inputs, connect with potential buyers, and streamline the entire value chain. This tech-driven approach not only enhances efficiency but also empowers farmers to make informed decisions, ultimately boosting their productivity.
Angela Odero emphasizes the importance of technology in attracting investments in aquaculture. The Real Fish App offers a seamless platform for farmers, traders, and consumers to engage in a virtual marketplace, reminiscent of an 'Uber for fish.' By leveraging technology, investors can capitalize on the efficiency and potential for growth in the rapidly evolving aquaculture sector in Kenya.
As the demand for fish continues to rise in Kenya, the adoption of technology-driven strategies is essential for the sustainability and profitability of the aquaculture industry. With innovative solutions like the Real Fish App, the future of fish farming in Kenya looks promising, paving the way for greater productivity and market access.
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