Nairobi: In a significant move to bolster the blue economy, Kwale County, working with the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project, has distributed 13 fibreglass boats to local fishermen and seaweed farmers. This initiative aims to streamline their operations and enhance productivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the KEMFSED project, valued at Sh10 billion and running from 2020 to 2025, is executed by the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries with backing from the World Bank. The project spans across coastal counties including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu, focusing on improving the livelihoods of coastal communities through enhanced access to livelihood support, food security services, and grants for underprivileged households and businesses.
The Kwale county government emphasized the significance of these initiatives in supporting local fisheries, agriculture, and ensuring food security. In collaboration with coastal county governments, KEMFSED offers farmers extension services, seeds, and other essential inputs to boost production, enhance value addition, and elevate household incomes.
Governor Fatuma Achani pointed out that the boats, equipped with outboard engines and auxiliary fishing gear, were provided to escalate productivity and uplift the livelihoods of coastal communities. She lauded the KEMFSED project and the national government for their partnership in advancing the artisanal fisheries value chain in the coastal region.
Achani highlighted the crucial role of ocean fishing in the coastal economy and food systems, stressing the importance of sustainable practices to safeguard fish stocks and the associated livelihoods. The boats are part of a broader commitment to support the fishery value chain, which faces challenges like climate change and marine resource depletion.
During the distribution event at Mkunguni Beach Management Unit in Ramisi Ward, Msambweni Sub-County, Governor Achani urged beneficiaries to use the boats responsibly. She noted that six boats would aid seaweed farmers in harvesting from the Indian Ocean, while seven would assist fisherfolk in deep-sea fishing, potentially increasing the fish catch per trip from 2.3 kg to 1.5 tonnes daily.
Governor Achani, accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Fisheries, Roman Shera, described seaweed farming as an ‘untapped treasure,’ affirming the devolved government’s commitment to its growth through various interventions. She mentioned the establishment of 21 seaweed farming groups with around 420 active farmers in Msambweni and Lunga Lunga sub-counties, supported annually with necessary farm inputs.
The county, through the KEMFSED project, has previously provided fish farmers with free fish feeds, nets, ropes, floats, deep-sea fishing vessels, and sinkers. Deep sea fishing occurs beyond the territorial waters’ limit, within Kenya’s 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which grants sovereign rights over resources like fisheries, oil, and gas.
‘The partnership with the KEMFSED scheme focuses on enhancing farmers’ productivity and creating wealth across the agricultural value chain,’ Achani stated, reiterating Kwale’s commitment to sustainable practices by small-scale fisheries and aqua-farmers.
Kwale aims to boost seaweed farming along the Indian Ocean shores to increase production and support sustainable livelihoods. Various species of seaweeds found in Kwale serve both domestic and industrial purposes, offering lucrative opportunities.
Achani highlighted seaweed’s ecological and industrial importance, supporting marine life and benefiting industries from nutrition to climate solutions. Her administration is constructing a seaweed store at Mwazaro and distributing value addition equipment like a disc mill and pulverising machine to eight farmer groups.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude and optimism about the positive impacts of these interventions. Msambweni Beach Management Unit Network Chairman Mtengo Omar thanked the Kwale County government and KEMFSED for their support, noting the 62 boats received have eased fishing efforts. Ashura Sheboi, representing Tumbe Seaweed farmers, praised the initiatives for transforming lives and encouraged local communities to explore the potential of seaweed farming.
Seaweed, celebrated as a ‘wonder plant,’ offers renewable resources for various industries. Coastal communities harvest and sell it as dried or fresh, earning Sh40 to Sh70 per kilogram. However, global warming threatens its quality, underscoring the need for sustainable practices.