Region: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
Sector: Aquaculture
Duration: 2022-Active
Overview
Samaki Poa, a public-private partnership co-financed by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), focuses on empowering the aquaculture sector in East Africa. The project addresses the lack of practical training and knowledge, aiming to improve food security and income generation.
Top Achievements
The Initiative
Samaki Poa improves access to knowledge and inputs in the Lake Victoria region, strengthening the aquaculture sector and increasing local fish production. The initiative aims to enhance local private sector development, investment in the value chain, access to sustainable jobs, and decrease fish import dependency.
Digital Capacity Building
Samaki Poa partners developed Howtodoaquaculture.com, offering localized training content, international best practices, and relatable animations. Users can earn 17 certificates through 150+ videos and quizzes. The platform, free to access, supports farmers in East Africa and beyond.
Vocational Training
Samaki Poa’s vocational training includes hands-on experience at Aquaculture Academies in Kenya. The training extends to regions within Kenya and in Rwanda and Uganda, tailoring programs to local needs and providing practical skills for fish farming.
Improving Access to Inputs and Services
Samaki Poa ensures farmers have access to quality feed and other inputs through training hubs, partnering with Skretting and Tunga Nutrition. These hubs offer feed, supplies, on-site training, and free water quality testing, facilitating professionalization in aquaculture.
Conclusion
Samaki Poa has significantly impacted East Africa’s aquaculture sector, enhancing food security, creating economic opportunities, and improving sustainability. The project’s success showcases the power of digital and vocational training combined with strategic partnerships.
Mike Ouya, Technical Project Manager at Lattice.
“Samaki Poa’s approach of integrating digital and practical training has empowered local fish farmers to enhance their productivity and sustainability, contributing to food security and economic growth in the region,”
Niels Kreijger, Emerging Markets Advisor at Larrive
“By providing targeted training and access to high-quality inputs, Samaki Poa is transforming the aquaculture sector and enabling sustainable development in East Africa,”
Edna Mwende, Analyst at Lattice.
“Samaki Poa has bridged critical gaps in knowledge and resources, fostering a resilient and productive aquaculture community,”