Now arid Mandera ventures into fish farming

Mandera County Director of Livestock and Fisheries Mr Mohamed Adan (right) feeds fingerlings at one of the fish ponds established by the County at Mandera Islamic Sector. Looking on is Hassan Ahmed (in white), Deputy Director Administration and Abdirahman Haji Ahmed, the Deputy Director of Education. Photo by JOB WERU/Standard.

The county administration has unveiled an ambitious programme to promote fish farming.

County Executive for Livestock and Fisheries Halima Abdi said they have already established four fish ponds across the county and stocked them with 6,000 fingerlings.

Ms Abdi also said more than 150 farmers have been trained on fish farming and the county government has also invited for construction of a hatchery to supply residents with fingerlings.

“We intend to train close to 350 farmers on this rare economic activity,” said Abdi, adding that they were also in the process of setting up 10 more ponds across the county.

Governor Ali Roba, who unveiled the project at Mandera Islamic Centre (MIC), said they are targeting markets in neighbouring countries such as Somalia and Ethiopia and adjacent counties.

“This project is going to be one of its kind in the ASAL area since we will also supply fingerlings to Somali, Ethiopia, Wajir and Garissa,” said Roba.

Mr Sheikh Ahmed, an official at MIC, welcomed the initiative, noting that it will help encourage residents to diversify their income generating activities. “We are expecting to harvest the first lot of fish in a few months and we hope this will be an eye opener to residents who want to venture into fish farming in Mandera County,” said Ahmed.