Solar Freezer Transformed Fish Farming in Mumunyonzo

Mark Agulula, the Chairman of the Mumunyonzo Dam Integrated Agriculture Project, recalls the days when fish farming in their community was an uncertain venture, with limited resources and restricted market access. Before the MESPT’s intervention, selling fish was a weekly affair, as the lack of proper storage facilities meant that any unsold fish would spoil. The community’s potential for aquaculture remained largely untapped, hindered by inadequate infrastructure and knowledge gaps.

In 2019, hope emerged when the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project called for proposals from groups with access to public land and a dam that could be utilized for irrigation. Seeing an opportunity to transform their community, Mark and his team submitted a proposal, which led to a grant to fund infrastructure development. The Kakamega County Government further supported the initiative by issuing a 10-year lease agreement, contingent on the project’s performance.

Determined to ensure long-term success, the team sought additional partnerships and was introduced to MESPT through the Kakamega Fish Farmers Cooperative. Over the past one and a half years, MESPT has been instrumental in shaping the project’s trajectory. Through the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP), 180 farmers received comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills needed to enhance their fish farming practices. Additionally, MESPT provided material support, one of the most impactful being a 455-litre solar freezer for fish preservation.

“The freezer has been a game changer for us,” Mark shares. “Before MESPT came in, we could only sell fish once a week. Now, we can store our fish safely and sell every day. This has not only increased our income but also created jobs for members of our community.”

Indeed, the difference is striking. Before acquiring the freezer, the group sold approximately 80 kilograms of fish per month. With the ability to store fish for longer, they have now doubled their sales, reaching 153 kilograms per month. This flexibility has also expanded their customer base, as people can now purchase fish on any day of the week.

The intervention has not only boosted the economic prospects of the project but also created employment opportunities. Three individuals now earn a livelihood through various roles, including gutting, scaling, deep frying, and selling fish. The project’s impact extends beyond its direct beneficiaries, as it has encouraged local farmers to venture into fish farming, creating a sustainable supply chain.

“The sustainability of this project is not in question,” Mark explains. “We currently source fish from 30 farmers in this ward, each stocking about 1,000 fish per pond. This ensures a steady supply, and once we start rearing fish from the dam itself, we will be able to expand our market even further.”

Beyond the tangible benefits, MESPT’s intervention has reshaped the community’s approach to agriculture. The farmers have embraced an agribusiness mindset, recognizing that success in farming extends beyond production to proper business management. Through MESPT’s Business Service Provider training, the team has learned how to draft proposals, a skill that has already borne fruit. They successfully applied for a grant from the Aquaculture Business Development Programme, which enabled them to purchase a tuk-tuk for fish transportation and access fish feed, further strengthening their operations.

“We now understand that farming is not just about growing food—it is a business,” Mark reflects. “Thanks to MESPT, we are running our operations with a strategic approach, ensuring profitability and long-term sustainability.”

The story of Mumunyonzo Dam Integrated Agriculture Project is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment. What started as a vision to utilize an underutilized dam has evolved into a thriving agribusiness that is not only improving livelihoods but also inspiring other farmers to adopt modern, sustainable agricultural practices. As the community continues to grow and innovate, the impact of MESPT’s intervention will be felt for generations to come.