Addressing the challenges of escalating food costs and enhancing school nutrition programs, the Aquaculture Business Development Program (ABDP) has introduced tilapia pond fish farming in schools across Kisumu County. In collaboration with the Kisumu County Directorate of Fisheries, ABDP seeks to make a substantial impact on local dietary diversity and alleviate the strain on food expenses.
Kevin Wamira, the County Project Coordinator, detailed ABDP’s comprehensive support, encompassing pond construction, donation of pond liners, predator kits, tilapia fingerlings, fish feeds, cone garden materials, and extension services for participating schools. The overarching goal is to integrate fish farming into the school feeding program, fostering nutritional diversity through the inclusion of kitchen gardening.
A recent success was witnessed at St. Agnes Muhoroni Primary School in Muhoroni Sub County, where the ABDP team harvested an impressive 278.14 kilograms of tilapia fish. Charles Abonyo, the school’s headteacher, praised the initiative, emphasizing that the addition of tilapia to the traditional diet of githeri, rice, and beans would provide students with a richer source of protein.
Beyond the direct benefits to school nutrition, the project has established a community-based resource centre dedicated to learning about the Competency-Based Curriculum. Abonyo encouraged other schools in the region to allocate resources for pond fish farming, recognizing its potential to bring multifaceted advantages. He also highlighted the positive impact of the initiative on students, noting their enthusiastic adoption of kitchen gardening, with some extending the practice to their homes. This approach not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices within the broader school community.