Kwale: Coastal communities in Kwale are increasingly turning to the fisheries sector to enhance their livelihoods, particularly through aquaculture and improved fishing techniques. This shift by artisanal fisheries in the coastal region is driven by the potential for sustainable food production, economic growth, and improved food security.
According to Kenya News Agency, the move is being supported by the county government in collaboration with the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project. The KEMFSED project is implemented by the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries with support from the World Bank, with the project duration being 2020-2025 and funding worth Sh10 billion. The fishery project is being implemented in the coastal counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu to enable artisanal and small-scale fisherfolk to increase catches and improve livelihood activities in the coastal communities.
Through KEMFSED, artisanal and small-scale fisherfolk are receiving modern fishing boats through various initiatives to boost their livelihoods and the fishing industry. The blue economy sector encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism, and marine transport and logistics. Area Governor Fatuma Achani says the KEMFSED project is making great strides towards building a climate-resilient aquatic food ecosystem.
Fisherfolk in Msambweni sub-county have received four fully equipped fibreglass motorised fishing boats through KEMFSED grants to enhance livelihoods for coastal communities. Governor Achani, who handed over the equipment, says the boats will enable the beneficiary groups to venture into offshore fishing, boost incomes, and promote sportfishing. Achani said the goal of the partnership with KEMFSED is to provide fishermen with the tools and resources needed to increase their catches, improve their safety, and enhance their livelihoods.
She noted that the project is undertaken through the KEMFSED funded by the World Bank, where the groups also received engines, fishing gear, safety equipment, and post-harvesting handling tools. 'This is a major step forward in empowering our fishing communities with the tools needed, including better boats, safety, and fishing gear, to enhance their income,' she said. She went further, 'as a county, we have issued at least 55 modern fishing and ecotourism boats, navigation equipment, fish finders, GPS among other fishing facilities to the fishery groups across Kwale.'
Bodo BMU chairperson Swaleh Kondo expressed gratitude to the partnership project, adding that the new boats and equipment will help them achieve better catches. 'For years we have been struggling with old boats and unreliable fishing gear. These new modern boats with outboard engines will allow us to venture deeper into the ocean,' he said. Kondo said the challenge traditional fishers face is the uncertainty of the catch due to depleting fish resources and increasing extreme weather events.
Governor Achani, who was accompanied by County Executive Committee Members Roman Shera (Agriculture and Fisheries) and Saumu Beja (Environment), later led a successful fish harvesting exercise at Mwazaro, in Lunga sub-county, where 2,800 fingerlings are being reared by the Sunflower Women's Group through the support from the KEMFSED Project. 'This initiative is more than just aquaculture; it's about economic empowerment, food security, and giving our communities the tools to thrive,' said Achani.
Achani stated that the devolved government will continue implementing projects that ensure food and nutrition security and enhance the livelihoods of the residents. 'This initiative is not just about fish farming; it's about economic empowerment. We are seeing real results on the ground, and today's harvest is evidence that our people are embracing aquaculture as a source of income and nutrition,' said Achani.
Mesalim Ali, Chairlady of the Maendeleo Bodo self-help group, applauded the empowerment move, terming it a game changer. 'We've struggled for years without proper storage facilities or tools. Now, with these freezers and solar lamps, we can store fish safely and even operate in the evenings,' she said. Mariam Masudi from the Mkunguni self-help Group said the initiative will help reduce waste and increase profits.
County executive for Agriculture and Fisheries Roman Shera says the empowerment drive has allowed the fishermen to store their catch for longer periods, reducing waste and boosting profitability. Shera says the success of the KEMSFED project has brought renewed optimism to Kwale's coastal communities, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to compete in today's fast-evolving fishing industry.