Factors influencing implementation of fisheries development funded projects: the case of central Imenti constituency, Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan government have been partnering with UNDP and European Union on fisheries development in the country. This is because fish and fishery products are still heavily traded commodities in the region. In Meru region particularly central imenti constituency, the people have been farming fish for decades not only for sale but for food. The climatic conditions are also suitable for different fish species that can be commercially used. The availability of water from various sources has also provided many fish farmers with the opportunity of fish farming. The introduction of ESP- fisheries development component in central Imenti constituency was seen by many as a golden opportunity for fish farmers who were to benefit fully from this government initiative aimed at providing employment opportunity to the youth. The project also guaranteed sustainability in the long run by funding construction of fish ponds at a cost of 25,000/= for each farmer and supply of fingerlings and fish feed for a period of 7 months that costed 15,000/=. This project was to be supervised by extension officers from the ministry of fisheries development and follow up made to ensure sustainability. On the other hand, the government have also been partnering with European Union and UNDP in fisheries development by funding other programs in the country. The timing however of these projects also came at a time when the Ameru people had not fully adopted fish farming in the region. The infrastructure of managing projects of such magnitude needed to be put in place. This included marketing systems, road infrastructure, project staff, and environmental impact assessment. It is apparent in this study that implementation of these fisheries funded projects have faced challenges which the government need to urgently address in order to achieve economic growth. Lack of knowledge on fish farming among the farmers in the region has hampered growth of aquaculture in the region and the government needs to enhance its operations to ensure efficiency in enforcement and effective implementation of its policies.