The lack of a good source of quality and certified fingerlings locally forced Vihiga fish farmers to source them from as far as Siaya. Other farmers shared poor-quality fingerlings from their low-performing ponds, leading to losses. Residents also lacked quality fish locally, affecting food security and nutrition.
To solve the problem, the County Government of Vihiga started the Mwitoko Hatchery and Aquaculture Training Centre to produce Nile tilapia and the African catfish fingerlings for farmers within and outside Vihiga County (Kakamega, Siaya, Kisumu and Busia), contributing to better food security and improvement of the local economy. The farm which boasts 31-ponds also offers training services, extension services, research and demonstrations and attachment/internship opportunities for students, and serves as a link between innovators (researchers and universities) and end-users (farmers and the value-chain players) of the innovations/technologies.
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