The Kenyan government has announced a significant investment of 19 million USD to establish a fisheries centre of excellence on the shores of Lake Victoria. This ambitious project aims to strengthen the sustainability of fisheries in the region, which is not only a source of livelihood for millions of people, but also a vital ecosystem for biodiversity. Capmad explores the implications of this investment, the challenges of fishing on Lake Victoria, and the expected benefits for local communities.
Context of Lake Victoria Fisheries
Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world, is shared by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It is home to a rich biodiversity, including over 500 species of fish, including the famous tilapia and catfish. Fishing is a crucial economic activity for the riparian countries, providing jobs for about 3 million people and representing a vital source of protein for millions more.
However, overfishing, pollution and climate change threaten this fragile ecosystem. According to recent studies, fish stocks in Lake Victoria have declined by 50% over the last two decades. This decline has consequences for food security and the livelihoods of local communities.
Objectives of the Centre of Excellence in Fisheries
The main objective of the Centre of Excellence in Fisheries, funded to the tune of USD 19 million, is to promote sustainable fishing practices and strengthen the management of fisheries resources.
- Training and awareness: The centre offers training programmes for local fishermen on sustainable fishing techniques, fish stock management and the preservation of the aquatic environment.
- Research and Development: The centre will also be a hub for scientific research, aimed at studying the ecosystems of Lake Victoria and developing strategies to restore fish populations.
- Technological Innovation: The introduction of modern technologies in fisheries, such as fish stock monitoring systems and selective fishing methods, will be encouraged to minimise the impact on the environment.
- Regional Collaboration: The project promotes cooperation between riparian countries for integrated management of fisheries resources, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of Lake Victoria.
The investment in the Fisheries Centre of Excellence is expected to have a significant economic impact. It is estimated that fisheries on Lake Victoria generate around 300 million USD per year. By improving the sustainability of fish stocks, the centre could help increase this figure, while ensuring food security for millions of people.
In addition, the project is expected to create jobs in various sectors, including research, education and community development. By training fishermen and providing them with tools and resources, the centre could also improve household incomes, thereby reducing poverty in riverine communities. Similar to Madagascar, which is demonstrating positive results in the fisheries sector.
Environmental issues
The creation of the Fisheries Centre of Excellence is part of a worrying environmental context. Lake Victoria faces challenges such as pollution from industrial and agricultural waste, as well as the invasion of exotic species such as the lionfish. These factors are exacerbating the pressure on aquatic ecosystems.
The centre will play a key role in raising awareness of these environmental issues and promoting fishing practices that respect ecological balance. By integrating conservation approaches into its programmes, the centre will contribute to preserving the lake’s biodiversity.
An important step towards sustainable fisheries on Lake Victoria
The investment of 19 million USD in the Fisheries Centre of Excellence is an important step towards sustainable fisheries on Lake Victoria. However, for this project to be truly effective, it is essential that stakeholders, including governments, fishermen and non-governmental organisations, work closely together.
The results of this project could serve as a model for other similar initiatives in the African Great Lakes region, where fisheries also face similar challenges. By sharing best practices and building local capacities, Kenya could play a leading role in the sustainable management of fisheries resources in Africa.
Revitalizing fisheries in this iconic region
Kenya’s investment in a fisheries center of excellence on Lake Victoria represents a valuable opportunity to revitalize fisheries in this iconic region. With a focus on sustainability, research and collaboration, this project could not only improve the livelihoods of local communities, but also contribute to the preservation of a vital ecosystem for Africa.
Currently, Kenya meets about 70% of its fish needs through imports. In order to reduce this dependency and increase domestic production, the government is launching bold initiatives to develop freshwater fisheries infrastructure.
