From dialogue to demonstration, from learning to action.

One of the key messages emerging from the From Fish Deficit to Aquaculture Powerhouse dialogue in Kisumu was the importance of creating practical opportunities for young people to engage in aquaculture and the blue economy.

Building on this conversation, The Aquaculture Consortium and Jumbo Fish Farm visited Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production units in Vihiga County under the ARNSA Programme (Advanving Resilient and Nutrition-Sensitive Smallholder Aquaculture), funded by Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and jointly implemented by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and ABDP. The programme has established four BSF units in the county to support youth and smallholder farmers with affordable, protein-rich feed solutions for aquaculture.

The visit was spearheaded by Ruth Lewo, ABDP Regional Coordinator (Western and Nyanza Region), together with Jonathan Anyoni and Mbalanya Macrae, Senior Agriculture Officers from Vihiga County implementing the ABDP programme.

At Nyang’ori Boys High School, we were received by Principal Mr. Peter Lunani Silikhani and his deputy. The project was designed and its implementation was supervised by Aquaculture Engineer Mr. Wilson Munala, the County Programme Coordinator (CPC).

The integrated model combines BSF farming, aquaculture, livestock production, and crop farming, demonstrating how circular economy approaches can transform organic waste into valuable resources while creating learning and enterprise opportunities for young people. Students gain practical skills in sustainable agriculture, resource management, and entrepreneurship while contributing to food production and environmental sustainability.

Our learning journey also included a visit to Mwitoko Fish Hatchery and Aquaculture Training Centre, where we observed the application of BSF within aquaculture operations and its potential to reduce feed costs while strengthening resilient food systems.

For TAC and Jumbo Fish Farm, these experiences reinforce the importance of practical innovation, youth engagement, and partnerships in advancing sustainable aquaculture. The lessons emerging from these initiatives provide valuable insights for scaling inclusive, climate-smart solutions that support food security, livelihoods, and the growth of Kenya’s aquaculture sector.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-aquaculture-consortium_aquaculture-blueeconomy-bsffarming-activity-7472687883003408384-3zQM

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