Aquaculture Training for Kenyan Fisheries Officers and University Students

Abstract

Lack of technical training has been cited as a major reason for the low output of fish ponds in Kenya. The lack was observed at all levels, from the lowest level extension agent through university levels. The training program undertaken by the Africa Project in Kenya seeks to improve training and to provide a cadre of trainers who have extensive practical fish production experience. This year the Africa Project has begun scholarship support for two MS students, one at Moi University’s Chepkoilel Campus, Eldoret, Kenya, and the other at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. Small stipends for student research conducted at Sagana Fish Farm have allowed undergraduate as well as graduate-level university students to remain longer to complete projects and gain valuable field experience. A small research projects program for station staff has allowed them to further their professional development and carry out their own research, which can have a positive impact on station management. The program of farmer education days developed during the first half of 1999 (Veverica et al, 2000) was followed this year by a series of four short courses for personnel of the Kenya Fisheries Department (FD). In this series of courses, more than 80 FD staff received two weeks of training in pond construction methods and pond management techniques. Additional farmer field days for approximately 50 farmers are also planned for later in 2000.