Contributions of Government Fish Farms to Farm Management and Rural Development in Kenya
Keywords:
Fish farm,, Farm management,, rural developmentAbstract
Government fish farms in Kenya were started with an aim of promoting aquaculture in the country through production of quality seeds, conducting research, as farmers training facilities, production of fish feeds, to increase fish production and to offer extension services to farmers. Currently there are fifteen Governments owned Fish Farms in Kenya. These fish farms have led to immense farm and rural development. First, the farms offer extension services to farmers which has played a great role in promoting aquaculture production in the country to over 900 tonnes annually; Second, increased job opportunities have resulted - the Government has employed over 200 skilled and 2,000 unskilled labourers; Third, improvement in infrastructure has resulted - electricity and tap water have now been fixed, roads have been improved and maintained which has also enhanced transportation of other farm produce to markets; Fourth, the regional and national food security has improved from consumption of the fish products; Fifth, the resultant fish farming is providing income to farmers and revenue to government amounting to over US$ 2,153,000 annually; Last but not least, the fish farms provide sites for students from Institutions to conduct research and field studies. This paper documents the contributions of Government fish farms to farm management and rural development in Kenya with a view to enhance this practice where possible and lead to establishment of more private fish farms.
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