There is low consumption of fish among East African Community (EAC) citizens, a report presented by a standing committee of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) on Tuesday shows.

According to MP Jeremie Ngendakumana (Burundi), the chairperson of EALA’s committee on accounts, the EAC partner states per capita consumption is below 10 kilogrammes.

This is below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of 25 kilogrammes per capita.

Giving country specifics, Ngendakumana said consumption for Burundi is 3.6 kilogrammes per capita, Kenya 3.45 kilogrammes, Rwanda 2.3 kilogrammes, Uganda 10 kilogrammes and Tanzania 8 kilogrammes.

The findings follow an assessment of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO) activities.

Besides limited funding to implement measures, the regional lawmaker cited several other challenges facing EALA.

These include inadequate equipment, funding and low compliance to fisheries laws and regulations.

Others are inadequate facilities to ensure proper fish handling, limited value addition, and limited diversification of markets.

"Aquaculture is largely still on small scale, producing about 150,000 tonnes compared to Egypt (one million tonnes) a year due to inadequate skills, lack of quality fish seed, fish feed and extension services,” Ngendakumana said.

Budget constraints

Despite these challenges, however, the committee commended the efforts by LVFO to amend its convention to accommodate Rwanda and Burundi and any other new EAC partner state as members.

The committee asked the Assembly to adopt a new name for LVFO as the East African Fisheries Organisation.

The committee observed that the body, like other EAC organs and institutions, is experiencing a freeze on budget increment.

"This has curtailed the growth and performance of EAC organs and institutions. LVFO can’t fill the positions of aquaculture and procurement experts,” Ngendakumana said.

Among other things, the committee observed that quality of fish is declining despite achievements and initiatives by the regional body.

The committee asked the Assembly to urge the EAC Council of Ministers to direct LVFO management to implement harmonised regulations on fish farming and handling; carry out comprehensive sensitisation, provide all amenities and other facilities to fish farmers; and push for harmonisation of enforcement structure and standards in all EAC partner states.

LVFO works to harmonise, develop and adopt conservation and management measures for the sustainable utilisation of living resources of Lake Victoria to optimise socio-economic benefits from the basin for the partner states.

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