Cage fish farming, or cage culture, is set to revolutionise Rwanda’s fish production, with Rwanda Agriculture and Animals Resources Board (RAB) anticipating a 73% increase in production through enhanced cage farming practices. Cage culture, also known as net pen aquaculture, is a method of fish farming that involves confining fish in cages or net pens placed in lakes, rivers, or coastal areas.

ALSO READ: Farmers welcome new fish farming insurance scheme

According to Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General in charge of Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer at RAB, by 2035, cage fish farming – a practice that has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional open-water fish farming methods – is projected to contribute to 73 per cent of the country&039;s aquaculture production, with a target of 80,000 metric tonnes per year.

ALSO READ: Rwanda on course to achieve fish production target

Uwituze said that cage fish farming is part of Rwanda’s efforts to boost fish production. Research is also being conducted on local fish species, in addition to genotyping [investigating the genetic constitution] of tilapia species, and studies on the suitability of lakes like Lake Kivu and Lake Muhazi for large-scale cage fish farming.

To achieve their target, according to Uwituze, standard operating procedures for Tilapia hatcheries have been developed, and six hatcheries have been certified for compliance.

Fish production in Rwanda slightly increased from 41,664 metric tonnes in 2021 to 43,560 metric tonnes in 2022, according to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. The report shows that 4,000 metric tonnes of fish were produced from fish farming.

A few advantages of fish farming with cages are that different types of waters – rivers, lakes, filled quarries and others – can be used and many types of fish can be raised, and fish farming can co-exist with sport fishing and other water uses.

Fish farming in cages is a sure-deal business, mainly on Lake Kivu.

Fishing Nkombo, Nkanka, Gihundwe Cooperative (FINNKOAGI CO), one of the cooperatives fishing on Lake Kivu in Rusizi District, has benefited from the method of fishing.

"The production is still inadequate compared to our clients and market demand. We urge the government to intervene and help us get fish feeds at lower prices, hence people in our area can get fish at an affordable price because a lot Rwandans need fish,” said Joel Hategekimana, a member of the fishing cooperative in Nkaka Sector.

"Access to baby fish and fishing equipment will essentially boost fish production here,” added Théobar Ahishakiye, the president of the cooperative.

ALSO: Six new tilapia hatcheries to help scale up fish production in Rwanda

According to RAB, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is interesting more investors in aquaculture and fish feed production.