The role of Aquaculture enterpreneurship in youth economic empowerment in Sagana fisheries, Kirinyaga county, Kenya

Abstract

Since independence, Kenya has been grappling with an increasing population which is not in tandem with the rate of job creation hence slow economic growth and development. The Youth form the largest segment of the unemployed population in Kenya and yet are an important agent of economic growth and development. The Government has shown a concerted effort to integrate the Youth agenda in development plans, policies and strategies such as Youth Development Enterprise Fund, “Kazi Kwa Vijana” initiative, Innovation Fund for Agriculture and Agribusiness and Economic Stimulus Programmes so as to alleviate poverty and unemployment among the youth. Kenya is endowed with numerous aquatic resources with aquaculture potential. Farmers in suitable areas across the country are turning to fish farming as a way of producing high quality food, either for their families or for the market, and as a way of earning extra income. This study therefore sought to examine the role of aquaculture entrepreneurship in youth economic empowerment in Sagana Fisheries in Kirinyaga County. Literature reviewed showed that following the renovation of several government fish rearing facilities, the establishment of research programmes to determine best practices for pond culture, and an intensive training programme for fisheries extension workers, there is renewed interest in fish farming in Kenya. Youth’s contributions to sustainable development are important to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The growth and development of aquaculture entrepreneurship is therefore in line with the government’s agenda for National Development since it is an important means of earning income for the youth. This agenda cannot be realized without youth participation so as to sustain economic growth and possibly alleviate the debilitating and undignified effects of poverty through creation of wealth and employment. The first Millennium Development goal on eradication of extreme hunger and poverty among others and Vision 2030 under the Social Economic Pillar are discussed in order to relate this study. The study employed descriptive survey design and stratified sampling design was used in order to select a sample size of 67 respondents. The study adopted questionnaires as instruments of data collection through the help of one research assistant. The raw data collected was processed and then analyzed by the use of descriptive analysis methods of mean, mode and median. The findings have been presented using percentages and tables. The study indicated that aquaculture entrepreneurship provides employment to the youth. The study results indicated that most of the fish-farmers did not have technical skills (training) in the field of fish-farming. The study also revealed that fish farming was not the major source of income to many despite having supplemented their income and protein sources. The main conclusion from the study was that aquaculture is a source of employment and a profitable venture. Another conclusion from the study was that majority of the youth entrepreneurs lack the collateral required by financial institutions to secure credit. The recommendation is that there is need for financial institutions to lower interest rates to make them friendlier and affordable to the youth. Aquaculture entrepreneurs should be encouraged by the government to form business associations in form of Saccos or self-help groups to share ideas, experiences and suggestions. Research should be enhanced by the government to find out the best fish species that gives the highest level of output. The community should also be sensitized about the importance of fish as an alternative source of protein. The government and donors should create conducive business environment for the youth by providing supportive infrastructure and capital to start and run aquaculture operations. The youth should be made aware of the business opportunities in aquaculture entrepreneurship and through resource mobilization the youth can overcome the challenges of inadequate finances and inaccessibility of credit.