EU-TrueFish Training of Trainers for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in the Lake Victoria Basin

EU-TrueFish Training of Trainers for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in the Lake Victoria Basin

Region: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi

Sector: Aquaculture

Duration: 2023

Overview

The EU-TrueFish project, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with Lattice, aims to develop a competitive, gender-equitable, and sustainable commercial aquaculture sector in the Lake Victoria Basin. This initiative focuses on significantly increasing the number and skill levels of technically qualified employees in the aquaculture business, contributing to economic growth and sustainable management of natural resources.

Top Achievements

• Skilled Workforce: Trained 40 TVET trainers across multiple countries, equipping them with practical and theoretical knowledge in various aquaculture disciplines.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Developed and delivered nine detailed aquaculture courses covering key areas such as fish farm management, hatchery construction, and aquatic animal health.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Fostered strong inter-regional collaboration among TVET institutions, promoting knowledge sharing and collective growth in the aquaculture sector.

The Initiative

The EU-TrueFish project focuses on designing and delivering comprehensive aquaculture technical short courses for professional training. Lattice was tasked with creating national aquaculture TVET short course training materials, conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions, and organizing validation workshops for the developed courses. The training aimed to address the critical need for skilled personnel in the aquaculture sector and enhance the practical knowledge of trainers who will, in turn, educate farmers and students in their respective regions.

Key Challenges

The Lake Victoria Basin faces challenges such as inadequate practical training for aquaculture practitioners, limited access to high-quality inputs, and environmental concerns. The EU-TrueFish project aims to bridge these gaps by providing hands-on training and fostering regional cooperation.

Driving Sustainable Growth

By developing a robust training framework and enhancing the skills of TVET trainers, the EU-TrueFish project supports sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector. This initiative ensures that farmers and industry professionals have access to the latest techniques and best practices, driving productivity and sustainability.

Remarkable Achievements

• Practical Training: Conducted hands-on training sessions with a practical to theory ratio of 2:1, ensuring trainees gained real-world experience.
• Diverse Course Offerings: Delivered courses on topics such as fish feed production, environmental impact assessment, and aquaculture technologies, addressing various aspects of the aquaculture value chain.
• Positive Feedback: Received strong positive feedback from trainees, highlighting the effectiveness and relevance of the training.

Partners

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• National Center for the Development of Aquaculture and Artisanal Fisheries (NCDAAF)
• Various TVET institutions in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi

Lattice's Role

Lattice played a pivotal role in the design and execution of the training programs. By leveraging its expertise in aquaculture and education, Lattice developed comprehensive training materials and conducted ToT sessions, ensuring the successful transfer of knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

The EU-TrueFish project demonstrates Lattice's commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices through education and capacity building. By training trainers and developing robust curricula, Lattice is helping to shape a more skilled and knowledgeable aquaculture workforce in the Lake Victoria Basin.

John Erick, Technical Project Manager at Lattice.

“By equipping trainers with both practical and theoretical knowledge, we are ensuring that the benefits of this program will be felt across the entire aquaculture sector in East Africa,” John Erick, Technical Project Manager at Lattice.