Vokoli: Vokoli Girls High School students have benefited from an integrated fish farming project, aimed at improving nutrition in schools, after successfully harvesting over 2,000 fish from their pond, established under the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The project seeks to promote sustainable nutrition and food security among learners.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is funded by NORAD in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Vihiga County Government. It is designed as an integrated farming system that combines fish farming, poultry keeping, and vegetable production. In this system, each component supports the other; for instance, poultry waste enriches fish ponds, while pond water irrigates vegetables. This approach maximizes resource use, reduces waste, and ensures a balanced supply of nutrients for students through proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
On Saturday, Vokoli Girls students actively participated in managing the fish pond, gaining hands-on skills in aquaculture while directly benefiting from the produce. Speaking during the harvest, County Chief Officer for Agriculture Dr. Betty Mulianga said the initiative is geared towards enhancing access to essential nutrients among students. "The aim of this project is to ensure that our learners have access to vital nutrients, especially proteins and vitamins, through locally available food sources," she said.
Dr. Mulianga noted that the next phase of the programme will expand the integrated model to include fruit farming, further strengthening nutrition in schools and diversifying food sources for learners. "We also want to promote fisheries in schools because fish is a rich source of protein and easy to prepare. In future, we expect more people to take interest in the value chain," she added.
The County Project Coordinator Wilson Munala commended the school for its cooperation and commitment to the programme. He guided students through the fish harvesting process, explaining each stage before the exercise began. Fisheries officers also took the students through fish handling techniques, including gutting and removal of scales, equipping them with practical skills in fish preparation.
The harvesting exercise proceeded smoothly, with fisheries officers assisting students in trapping the fish using nets. The programme has so far supported two schools in the county, including Vokoli Girls High School and Nyang'ori Boys High School. Coinciding with Mother's Day celebrations marked annually on the second Sunday of May, the school administration indicated that the harvest would be used to improve student meals as part of efforts to mark the occasion.