In a move to be self sufficient in the production of fish, Rwanda imported 45,000 tilapia fingerlings ( small fish) to restock the 17 inland lakes.

Fishing is conducted by co-operatives and associations, mainly in the lakes of Kivu, Cyohoha, in Eastern Province and Mugesera.

The fingerlings were imported from Kajansi in Uganda between Kampala and Entebbe town and are being reared in Muhazi cage.

In an interview with Dr. Theogene Rutagwenda the Director General of Rwanda Animal Resource Development Authority (RARDA), the ultimate vision is to reduce fish importation and save on foreign exchange. Production increased from 8,000 tonnes in 2007 to 11,000 tonnes last year. However, production does not meet the local market demand and the country continues to imports fish from Tanzania.

"Importation reduced by 11 percent and this is attributed to the increase in production which is our target,” Rutagwenda said. Some of the imported fingerlings were planted in Lake Chohoha where a fishing ban is set for about six months to allow the fish grow.

Through cooperatives, fishermen are educated on proper fishing methods and how they would benefit if young fish are not caught.

"Fish has fast growing food poisonous bacteria when it is not kept in the refrigerator, traders or consumers should consider this, remove it (fish) when it’s ready to cook,” Rutagwenda said.

Support fish farming, old fish-ponds have been rehabilitated and the new ones are introduced. Some of the rehabilitated fish-ponds include, Rwasari, Kigembe, Rushashi and Rusumo.

About 16,000 fingerlings locally produced were distributed in fish-ponds in a move that will see increased production, improved rural incomes and enhanced food security.

Parallel efforts to develop the fishing industry include the newly established law on fishing and fisheries (aquatic law) that will convert livestock sub-sector strategy into a viable sector by supervising and regulating fish farming.

According to Rutagwenda, the law has been published in the national official Gazette, and it’s expected that the law will play a crucial role in the transformation of the sector.

The one that has been in use was outdated since 1937 it included some articles that could not be applied.

"The law was too old. some of the articles like that on fine was Rwf 1 for each fish to whoever is fishing illegally and some people would breach the law ,” he said.

About 25 speed boats will be imported to supervise people who fish at night using small nets (mosquito nets).

The process to procure speed boats is expected to take a bit longer because it is still in tender process. Apart from economic boost, fish farming is a major source of nutrition.

Ends