Resource Mobilization

Enhancing Commercial Aquaculture in Rwanda

This project aimed to improve fish production in Rwanda to meet the increasing rate of consumption, which is one of the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. By strengthening aquaculture development through capacity-building activities and technical and material support to farmers, more fish will be available for purchase and consumption.

What did the project do

Individual farmers or those who were part of cooperatives were trained in organizational and financial management practices, such as producing good quality fish seed and feed for themselves and to sell to other farmers. Over half the participants were women, who were also represented in cooperatives and management committees.

Impact

The training of farmers in technical skills and business strategies ensures the development of fish value chains in Rwanda. Selected fish farmers acquired the capacity to conduct aquaculture as a business and to produce good-quality and accessible seed and feed.

Activities

  • Aquaculture activities were reviewed to identify the general status of fish farming.
  • Fish farmers were trained in numeracy, fish farming management and marketing skills to enhance ownership and control of the profitability of their businesses.
  • A study tour was organized in northern Kenya (Kakamega District) on feed farming best practices, especially on production and use of quality feeds and seeds and on the best daily management practices of profitable farms.
  • Farmers in cooperatives and individual operators were trained in feed formulation, production, handling, pricing, marketing and distribution, etc.
  • Four of the most progressive farmers were provided with mobile hatchery systems and two feed mills to produce fish seed and feed not only for their own use but also for other farmers in their respective areas. 
Project symbol: TCP/RWA/3502
Project title: Support to Enhancing Development of Commercial Aquaculture (EDCA) in Rwanda
Contact: FAO Office in Rwanda / Anna Maria Menezes (Lead Technical Officer)
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/CA0952EN/ca0952en.pdf