Africa’s aquaculture industry is expanding rapidly, with some regions experiencing annual growth rates of up to 23%. Yet, this growth belies the persistent hurdles that threaten the sector’s sustainability. Overfishing and climate change have led to declining fish stocks, particularly in Lake Victoria, where fishing communities are heavily reliant on this natural resource.

In Kenya alone, there are 43,494 aquaculture farmers with 66,337 ponds, but nearly half remain inactive, highlighting significant underutilisation of resources. One of the biggest obstacles is a $12 billion annual financing gap that prevents fish farmers from accessing critical resources. Cultural and gender biases further complicate the landscape, with women fish sellers often facing economic exploitation and cultural restrictions.

For many, the lack of access to quality inputs, technical guidance, and financial services perpetuates cycles of poverty. In Kenya, aquaculture plays a critical role in communities, but systemic challenges persist.

To unlock the potential of this sector, innovation and sustainable solutions are essential. AquaMnara has emerged as a game-changer for fish farmers and traders in Kenya. The venture delivers innovative solutions to address systemic challenges in the fishing sector, empowers communities, and promotes sustainable aquaculture. Aqua Mnara was founded under the Triggering Exponential Climate Action (TECA) programme, an initiative supported by FSD Africa and BFA Global to develop innovative solutions that build climate resilience.

It offers a suite of services tailored to the needs of aquaculture communities, including:

• Linkages to certified suppliers: Farmers access high-quality fingerlings, optimal feeds, and water quality testing kits.
• Financial inclusion: An e-voucher system that allows farmers to acquire essential inputs on credit from pre-approved providers, bridging the gap between financial institutions and aquaculture practitioners.
• Sustainable practices: Training programmes to equip farmers with the knowledge to boost productivity while minimising environmental harm.

The impact of AquaMnara’s interventions is best illustrated through the story of Samwel Nyabinda and his wife, Sharon Awuor. Once a boda boda rider, Samwel struggled to make ends meet until Sharon introduced him to aquaculture. They started small, with limited knowledge and resources, which led to challenges in maintaining healthy ponds and viable yields.

When AquaMnara entered the picture, everything changed. Through technical guidance and water quality tests, the couple learned to optimise their farming practices. Over the past year and a half, they expanded from one pond to three, each yielding over 150,000 shillings per cycle.

With their increased income, they installed a solar pump to maintain sustainable water levels and purchased a motorbike for the efficient distribution of their fish. Samwel now serves as a mentor to other youth in Nyakach, using his farm as a demonstration site for sustainable aquaculture practices.

Through the Women in Aquaculture programme, AquaMnara has also supported 20 women with aquaculture cages and is piloting additional initiatives to provide them with inputs and training.