The fishing sector has set aside a tune of Rwf12 billion worth of investments in the industry for a period of six years, that will see it produce 20,000 tones of fisheries by 2012.

Officials say that the money has been secured from the African Development Bank (ADB). 

Commercial fishing in the country started in 1950s and had seen a steady rise in production before it was hampered by the 1994 genocide.

Fish rearing has been an alternative source to increase production with over 1,200 fish ponds which industry pundits want to increase to 8,000 ponds by 2011.  

"In the last few years, the production of fish has been registering a steady increase due to the government programmes to protect and conserve lakes as well as controlling soil erosion” said the fish project coordinator Gregoire Dusabemungu. 

Between the years 2003 and 2004, 7,400 tones of fish were realised while between 2007 and 2008, 8,300 and 11,000 tones were got respectively. This year it is estimated that 13,500 tones will be realised.

However, it is noted that the current amount of fish is far less than what is actually needed. This has prompted the importation of more fish from the neighbouring countries to supplement on what is available on domestic market.

"There is no official exportation of fish because the quantity is not enough that is why we import. But we should focus on reduced importation by increasing our local production” said Dusabemungu.

Rwanda’s imports come mainly from Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi. The total amount imported annually equals to 8,000 tones. This sector provides employment to the population employing up to 35,000 people.   

The domestic consumption of fish is still very low in comparison to other countries and the standards required by Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO).

On average, one person consumes 1 kg of fish per year and the aim in 2012 is to see one person eating between 3-4 kilograms annually. FAO demands 24KGs per person.

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