A project on aquaculture development closes

On December 13, 2016, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr.Gerardine Mukeshimana officially closed a project dubbed Technical Cooperation Project (TCP-RWA 3502) which had the general objective to enhance the development of commercial aquaculture in Rwanda.

Launched in 2014, the project was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) in Nyanza, Nyamagabe, Muhanga, Gisagara, and Huye Districts in the Southern Agriculture Zone Division; Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Rubavu, and Ngororero Districts in the Western Zone Division and the Central Zone in Gasabo District and Lake Muhazi.

According to officials, this project has helped fish farmers to secure the availability of quality seed and feed, and provided 25 fish farms with technical support through trainings and study tours abroad.

During the event, Minister Mukeshimana recognized FAO for its various contribution to the development of Agriculture Sector in Rwanda and especially for supporting technically and financially this Project on fish farming development.

The minister noted that aquaculture can be undertaken practically in all ecological zones of the country; adding that different sites are suitable for different production systems depending on the specific natural and socioeconomic conditions.

The minister also urged operators in aquaculture and fisheries to take advantages of different opportunities available and make fish production a business.

There are 29 lakes including three transboundary lakes namely Kivu, Cyohoha south and Rweru. The national fish production is estimated at 26,732 MT tons of which capture fisheries contribute around 21,000 tons and aquaculture around 5,000 tons.

“As the Country is improving its citizen living standards, the demand for fish and fish products is also increasing. To meet the demand, we have, radically to shift from subsistence fish farming to the commercial one,” pointed out the Minister.

Per capita fish consumption in Rwanda was estimated at around 1 kg a long time ago, now it has reached 2.1 kg.

This ended project showed that if everyone is fully committed to invest in intensive fish production mainly in cages, pen culture and tanks, this situation can drastically change in few years to come.

“The Ministry is working hard to find solutions of seed and feed of good quality produced within the Country and also improve research and extension services which are key to the success of aquaculture Project,” said Minister Mukeshimana.

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