Fish farmers in Vihiga County have received a major 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 initiative, 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 across the county.
Speaking during the distribution event, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichillo commended farmers for their patience as they awaited the consignment, which arrived as most of them approached harvest. Each of the 450 selected farmers will receive eight bags of 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.
He apologized to farmers for delays in dispatching the feeds from the national government and appreciated their efforts to sustain fingerlings during the waiting period. The governor further revealed that plans are underway to establish a fish feed factory at the Mwitoko Aquaculture Center next year to make feeds more affordable and accessible.
Dr. Ottichillo also announced a proposal for a five-year aquaculture programme to provide continuous training, input supply, and technical support to farmers. In partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), the county is also setting up an agricultural college to train farmers in smart and sustainable practices.
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.
“We already have the first outlets established in Kaimosi, run by youth, and in Chavakali, managed by women’s groups,” Maruja noted, adding that the county is setting up fish kiosks to promote local fish consumption and marketing. He lauded farmers for their resilience, acknowledging that many used personal funds to make or buy feed while waiting for the NORAD-ARNSA supplies.
Wodanga Ward MCA Vincent Atsiaya, who also serves as the Leader of Minority and a member of the County Agricultural Committee, urged farmers not to lose hope despite earlier delays.
“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.
County Project Coordinator Wilson Munala confirmed that all 450 farmers would each receive eight bags of fish feed and that two aggregation and value addition kiosks are being set up in Kaimosi and Chavakali to support market access.
