Tanzania expands cage fish farming to boost Lake Victoria economy

The Tanzanian government is increasing financial support and infrastructure to expand cage fish farming around Lake Victoria to meet rising food demand.

The Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) at Nyegezi Campus has increased its monthly production of fingerlings from 70,000 to two million to accommodate a growing market. Director Jimmy Masumbuko stated that the institution aims to reach a production capacity of 10 million fingerlings per month.

This expansion addresses a shortage caused by declining indigenous fish stocks and illegal fishing practices. The agency also noted that changing dietary habits and a population that grew from nine million in the 1960s to over 60 million have fueled the need for more fish. The government has allocated 200 billion Tanzanian shillings for youth empowerment programs, including 9 billion shillings for the Lake Zone under the Build a Better Tomorrow programme.

In Mwanza, 80 beneficiaries began farming in March and expect their first harvest in November. These farmers operate 80 cages, each holding at least 11,280 fingerlings, with a projected production of 240 tonnes. Additionally, local authorities provided 2.5 billion shillings to 25 groups in Mwanza City Council through a 10 per cent council loan arrangement. Despite these investments, small-scale farmers face challenges including high costs for imported fish feeds and construction materials.

Titus Kilo, a regional fishing officer, reported that fingerling prices have risen from 150 to 250 Tanzanian shillings due to shortages. While cage farming may help replenish natural stocks by providing safe breeding grounds and excess feed, farmers still struggle with the financial burden of high-quality inputs. Deputy Minister Ng’wasi Kamani stated that the ministry continues to offer affordable loans to help individuals and groups across the fishing value chain.