In March 2021, thanks to your help, four new projects could start. Two tree nurseries, the Kamasengre School Tree Nursery and the Waware Tree Nursery in Rusinga East as well as the Upanzi Wa Maisha Revolving Found (Plant for Life) to initiate a vegetable growing program and also still the Rusinga Youth Greening Movement (RYGM) a youth organization that focuses on environmental protection and community development. A strong development.
In October 2021, after several months of preparation, a new project could start.
DECHWA COMMUNITY FISH FARM
Until now, Lake Victoria on Rusinga Island has provided income to fishing villages and fed many people. However, due to severe overfishing, traditional fishing is in particular collapsing. This has dramatic consequences for the fishermen and their families, but also for all other people on Rusinga, who can no longer buy fish and thus lose an important part of their nutrition. In addition, the Corona crisis and the lack of rainfall due to climate change are further causes of ever increasing food prices.
Mike Okella has therefore intensively acquired knowledge about fish farming and has already dug fish ponds.
Mike has already started raising tilapia fish and has gained important experience. Based on this, he has presented a detailed business plan in order to be able to set up a fish farm that will work economically in the long term. There are four large ponds ready for 2,000 fish each and two small ponds where he raises fingerlings. But since some equipment is needed, such as a pump and pipes for water exchange and foils for lining the ponds, Mike needed our support. The fish will be ready after only 6 months and can then be brought to the market. But the biggest item until then is the feed from pellets, which has to be purchased.
For the start in October 2021, two first ponds were stocked. The proceeds will then enable the stocking of the third and fourth ponds step by step and after about 9 months the repayment of the loans. The funds will then be available for new charitable projects.
BUILDING TRAINING WORKSHOP ON INTEGRATED FISH FARMING PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Mike wants to support the community. Therefore, the DECHWA COMMUNITY YOUTH SELF HELP GROUP was founded on September 29, 2021 to take over the project. The registered association has 12 members and pursues charitable purposes like our other partners on Rusinga. Not only the use of the later profits for the community is guaranteed. Young people are also trained in fish farming. Because in view of the development one fish farm will be too little. The 13-page training program with 12 modules covers not only the actual fish farming but also business management topics.
