By Calvin Awora
On behalf of Governor James Orengo, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Blue Economy, Hon. Willis Ochieng, today hosted a high-level delegation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the National Government. The delegation was led by IFAD Country Programme Coordinator, Ronald Ajengo, for the End-of-Programme Mission of the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP).
Implemented over the last seven years across 15 counties, the ABDP was designed to reduce poverty, enhance food security and nutrition, and increase incomes and productivity among smallholder households engaged in fish farming.
In Siaya County, the programme has significantly transformed the fisheries value chain through targeted investments and comprehensive farmer support. Key achievements include the distribution of predator control kits, quality fingerlings, fish feeds, and the establishment of kitchen gardens for smallholder fish farmers. The programme also supplied 19 modern high-density fish cages valued at KSh 29.5 million to farmer groups at Lwanda Kotieno, Anyanga, and Usenge beaches.
Additionally, ABDP is supporting the ongoing construction of the Kokach and Wichlum Landing Sites, each at an estimated cost of KSh 160 million. These facilities are expected to significantly improve fish handling, value addition, and market access.The programme has also vetted and supported numerous beneficiaries across the county, disbursing more than KSh 5.1 million to enhance fish production, processing, value addition, and marketing.
The End-of-Programme Mission provides a critical opportunity to assess the programme’s overall impact, document lessons learned, and develop strategies for sustaining and scaling up the gains achieved in the aquaculture sector.
The meeting was also graced by the CECM for Governance, Administration and ICT, Mr. Joseph Rading, Chief Officer Hon. Walter Okelo, members of the County Programme Coordinating Committee, and other senior officials.