As part of the KijaniSpace consortium’s first in-person meeting in Kisumu, Kenya, partners had the opportunity to explore the full fish farming value chain in the Lake Victoria Basin. It’s region where aquaculture plays a vital role in food security, livelihoods, and local economies.
Site visits have been a key part of the KijaniSpace consortium programme, providing an on-the-ground perspective of how fish farming works from farm to market. The Lake Victoria basin is home to two key fish species: Tilapia and Nile perch, both of which are essential to the local food system and economy.
Visit to a Tilapia fish pond and hatchery farm in Kisumu – Aquarech Ltd.
The first stop was a local institution specializing in fish breeding and fingerling production. Healthy fingerlings are the backbone of any successful fish farm, and the facility demonstrated best practices in pond management, age-based separation, and fish health monitoring.
The centre works closely with a nearby university to provide education and training in aquaculture value chain management, supporting both knowledge transfer and sustainable growth in the sector.
Boat Ride to Lake-Based Fish Farms
Next, the group of consortium partners visited a fish farming site along the shores of Lake Victoria. A local fish farmer guided the team by boat to a cluster of floating cages used for lake-based fish farming. Each cage, measuring around 5×5 or 10×10 meters, is owned by individual farmers operating within a shared space.
We learned that while the upfront investment in cages and fingerlings is significant, many farmers begin seeing profit by the second year—some achieving returns as high as 80%. However, risks such as water pollution, disease, and climate-related challenges remain important considerations.
Tasting the Results
The journey ended with a culinary experience that brought the value chain full circle. Consortium members sampled locally prepared Tilapia and Nile Perch dishes—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It was a fitting reminder of how innovation in the fish value chain directly connects to culture, nutrition, and community.
