Marsabit: Marsabit County has long been a region heavily impacted by climate change, plagued by recurrent droughts, floods, soil erosion, drying water sources, and rising levels of Lake Turkana. These factors have disrupted the livelihoods of local pastoral communities, leaving them vulnerable to food insecurity and high rates of malnutrition.
According to Kenya News Agency, the main economic activities in Marsabit, livestock keeping and animal trade, have suffered due to frequent droughts decimating animals and pastureland. Efforts to diversify into crop farming, supported by the county government and development partners, have been hampered by erratic rainfall and unpredictable weather.
To address these challenges, the World Food Programme (WFP) sponsored the development of a county strategic plan aimed at sustainable solutions. WFP Supply Chains Officer Albert Mwambonu explained that a memorandum of understanding with the county government led to investments in smallholder fish farming. This initiative aims to enhance food security and resilience for local pastoralists who have long relied on food aid.
The shift to aquaculture represents a climate adaptation strategy, providing an alternative livelihood for pastoralists. Initially resistant due to cultural prohibitions against fish consumption, local communities have embraced fish farming following awareness and training efforts. Fish farms have been established in arid areas like North Horr, Moyale, and Saku constituencies, leading to continuous fish trade and consumption.
The Chalbi rural development initiative, a 40-member self-help group, runs successful fish ponds stocked with tilapia. Group chairwoman Hadija Guyo highlighted the transformation fish farming has brought, offering food security and income from fish sales, allowing members to regain dignity and support their families.
Veteran pastoralist Katelo Guyo, now a fish farmer, noted the activity’s low labor demands and positive impact on his lifestyle. County Fisheries Officer Sostine Wanjala confirmed tilapia’s suitability for arid regions, supported by boreholes and rainwater harvesting.
Awareness campaigns have helped overcome cultural barriers to fish consumption. Capacity building through training at the National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre has increased the number of fish farmers from 15 to over 100 in three years.
At North Horr Technical and Vocational Training Institute, fish ponds have been integrated into the curriculum, offering students practical skills and promoting aquaculture as a viable employment avenue. The institute’s Deputy Principal, Sammy Malingu, emphasized students’ roles as aquaculture ambassadors.
Pioneer aquaculture farmer Musa Hassan Dida shared his success, earning significant income from fish sales and planning further expansion. The rising popularity of fish is evident at eateries like Ever Fresh Fish Hotel in Moyale, where residents prefer fish for its affordability and nutritional value compared to beef.
Despite challenges, such as high fish feed costs, plans are underway to establish local milling machines. The growing acceptance of fish farming in Marsabit County signifies a shift towards a cost-effective and sustainable livelihood amidst climate change-induced challenges to traditional practices.