Matayos sub-county: Farmers under the Namalenge Irrigation Project in Matayos Sub-county have urged the county and national governments to increase investment in fish farming. Speaking after harvesting four tonnes of fish, the project farmers’ chairman Melitus Odongo emphasized the need for more government support, particularly in the provision of fingerlings, fish feeds, and the construction of additional ponds.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odongo highlighted that the success of their initiative has created employment opportunities for youth and improved household incomes, enabling families to meet basic needs. He called on residents living near wetlands to embrace aquaculture, either individually or through groups, to attract government assistance and achieve self-sustainability.
Phylis Makokha, a farmer at the project, noted that the irrigation scheme has transformed their lives by ensuring a constant water supply for both fish farming and crop production. She encouraged women in the area to take an active role in aquaculture, emphasizing its viability and profitability, which can lead to financial independence.
Busia County Director for Climate Change Dan Opilio stated that the Sh15 million Namalenge Irrigation Project is funded under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action programme, supported by the World Bank in partnership with the county and national governments. He urged residents to take ownership of development projects to ensure sustainability and maximum benefits.
Busia Director of Irrigation Dismus Otula added that the Namalenge scheme is the only smallholder irrigation project in the county integrating aquaculture, horticulture, and livestock production. Plans are underway to transform Namalenge into a technology transfer centre where farmers will receive training on modern irrigation systems and climate-smart agriculture to enhance productivity and income generation.
