NORAD donates fish feed to boost aquaculture in Vihiga County

KENYA – The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) has donated 3,600 bags of fish feed to farmers in Vihiga County, Kenya, through the Advancing Resilient Nutrition Sensitive Aquaculture Project (ARNSA), intending to strengthen smallholder aquaculture and improve local livelihoods.

The support, valued at over KES 20 million (approximately US$132,000), aims to strengthen aquaculture productivity and promote nutrition-sensitive farming.

The initiative is being implemented under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the County Government of Vihiga. It targets smallholder farmers seeking to build sustainable livelihoods through aquaculture.

During the feed distribution event, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichillo praised the farmers for their patience as they awaited the consignment, which arrived as many were nearing harvest. Each of the 450 selected farmers will receive eight bags of feed.

“Fish farming is a promising business venture that can help reduce poverty in our communities. Apart from improving nutrition, the sale of surplus fish can provide meaningful income to our farmers,” said Governor Ottichillo.

He acknowledged delays in dispatching the feed and thanked farmers for maintaining their fingerlings during the waiting period. 

Dr. Ottichillo also revealed plans to establish a fish feed factory at the Mwitoko Aquaculture Center next year to make feeds more affordable and accessible.

The governor added that a proposed five-year aquaculture programme will offer continuous training, input supply, and technical support to farmers. 

In collaboration with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), Vihiga County is also establishing an agricultural college to promote sustainable farming practices.

Inclusive aquaculture growth

County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Julius Maruja said the initiative aims to include women, youth, and persons with disabilities. 

“We already have the first outlets established in Kaimosi, run by youth, and in Chavakali, managed by women’s groups,” he said, noting that fish kiosks are being set up to boost local consumption and marketing.

Wodanga Ward MCA Vincent Atsiaya, who also serves on the County Agricultural Committee, commended farmers for their persistence despite the six-month delay. 

“Their persistence ensured the issue was resolved, and today we are seeing the results,” he said.

County Project Coordinator Wilson Munala confirmed that two aggregation and value addition kiosks are being set up in Kaimosi and Chavakali to strengthen market access. 

The ARNSA initiative, supported by NORAD funding, is also being implemented in Nyeri and Migori counties to promote resilient, nutrition-sensitive aquaculture systems across Kenya.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.