Transforming Kenya's Aquaculture Sector by Creating sustainable Job Opportunities and Promoting Economic Development : Youth In Sustainable Aquaculture

Transforming Kenya's Aquaculture Sector by Creating sustainable Job Opportunities and Promoting Economic Development : Youth In Sustainable Aquaculture

Region: Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kilifi, Mombasa

Sector: Aquaculture

Duration: 2023-2028

Overview

The "Youth in Sustainable Aquaculture" project, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, focuses on empowering youth through sustainable aquaculture practices in Kenya. This initiative aims to create 200,000 employment opportunities for women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and people with disabilities (PWD), enhancing resilient livelihoods through innovative practices and market linkages.

Targets

• Facilitate 200,000 dignified job opportunities for youth, especially women.
• Promote innovative aquaculture practices, increasing fish production.
• Enhance entrepreneurship, expanding youth-owned aquaculture enterprises.
• Develope a digital platform connecting value chain actors.

Project Vision

By leveraging the growing demand for animal protein, the project aims to transform the aquaculture sector, making it a significant contributor to Kenya's economy and food security. The initiative will build capacity, enhance market linkages, and provide access to financial services, focusing on gender inclusivity and youth empowerment.

Interventions and Impact

Capacity Building for Input Market Actors:

• Enhanced production and accessibility of quality inputs like fingerlings and fish feed.
• Trained 20,000 farmers through an organized outgrower model.
• Promoted contract farming for raw material producers and feed millers.

Feed Formulation Innovations:

• Developed plant protein-based fish feed.
• Utilized Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as an alternative protein source.
• Created job opportunities in BSF farming, feed processing, and waste management.

Fish Hatchery and Fry Nursery Production:

• Established pilot models for fish fingerling production.
• Trained youth in hatchery management and fry nursery operations.
• Enhanced extension services to ensure high survival rates of fingerlings.

Market Channel Development:

• Implemented a franchise marketing model to expand market access.
• Built capacity of local fish traders (Mama Samaki) and linked them to markets.
• Strengthened cold chain systems to ensure quality and freshness of fish products.

Financial Inclusion and Support:

• Established a gender-responsive catalytic fund to enhance access to finance.
• Developed aqua-centric financial products with financial service providers.
• Provided business development services and training to support entrepreneurship.

Quotes from Lattice Leadership

Lillian Marenya, Head of Programs, Lattice.

"This initiative is a game-changer for Kenya's youth, especially women, creating pathways for sustainable employment and economic growth in the aquaculture sector." 

Mike Ouya, Technical Project Manager, Lattice.

"By integrating innovative practices and market linkages, we are empowering young people to drive the future of aquaculture in Kenya." 

Conclusion

Lattice's involvement in the "Youth in Sustainable Aquaculture" project underscores its expertise in providing comprehensive training and support to young agripreneurs. Through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and a focus on gender inclusivity, Lattice is helping to transform Kenya's aquaculture sector, creating sustainable job opportunities and promoting economic development.