Projects

FoodTechAfrica | Pioneering Aquaculture Growth in East Africa

Region: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda

Sector: Aquaculture

Duration: 2011-2021

Overview

FoodTechAfrica is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing aquaculture in East Africa. Co-financed by the Dutch government, this public-private partnership brought together 17 partners to build a sustainable aquaculture value chain, addressing critical challenges in the region.

Top Achievements

High-Quality Fish Feed Factory: Established the first high-quality fish feed factory in Nairobi.
Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) Farms: Pioneered RAS fish farms in East Africa.
EcoMark Africa Certification: Secured the first EcoMark Africa certification for sustainable aquaculture.
Blue Revolution: Spearheaded the "Blue Revolution" in East Africa.
Public-Private Partnership Recognition: Honored as the most successful public-private partnership by the Dutch government.
Spinoff Projects: Expanded regional impact with projects in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, and laid the foundation for the Kenya Market-led Aquaculture Program (KMAP).

The Initiative

The journey began in 2011 when a Kenyan farmer highlighted the profitability challenges of fish farming. Despite Kenya's proximity to Lake Victoria, the local fish supply was dwindling due to pollution, overfishing, and lack of regulation. FoodTechAfrica sought to harness Kenya's potential to produce local fish on a large scale.

Driving Sustainable Growth

East Africa's growing demand for animal protein, driven by population growth and changing consumption patterns, required innovative solutions. FoodTechAfrica aimed to meet this demand by developing a sustainable aquaculture industry, producing safe, nutritious, and protein-rich food products.

Remarkable Achievements

High-Quality Fish Feed Factory: The first high-quality fish feed factory in Nairobi boosted local feed production.
RAS Fish Farms: Implemented RAS technology, enhancing water use efficiency and fish yields.
EcoMark Africa Certification: Achieved the first EcoMark Africa certification, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices.
Blue Revolution: Drove sustainable fish production through innovative practices and partnerships.
Public-Private Partnership Recognition: Recognized as the most successful public-private partnership by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Spinoff Projects: Successful initiatives in Kenya led to projects in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, expanding the consortium’s impact.

Partners

The consortium included:

Almex
Dinnissen
Fishion
Kamuthanga Farm
KMFRI (Kenyan Marine & Fisheries Research Institute)
Larive International (Coordinator)
Lattice
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Nutreco
Ottevanger Milling Engineers
PTN
Unga Group
Viqon Water Solutions
Wageningen UR

Lattice's Role

Lattice played a vital role in managing local projects and strategic interventions. Through workshops, training sessions, and hands-on support, Lattice empowered local farmers and businesses to adopt sustainable aquaculture practices.

Conclusion

FoodTechAfrica has significantly transformed East Africa's aquaculture sector, enhancing food security and economic opportunities. The project's success demonstrated the power of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development. Lattice's expertise in training farmers on sustainable practices has been crucial in advancing the sector.

Winnie Ouko, CEO of Lattice.

“Our goal has always been to empower local communities through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. By improving aquaculture, we are not only enhancing food security but also creating economic opportunities across East Africa.”