The Mastercard Foundation and consortium partners - Farm Africa, Lattice Aqua, Echo Network Africa, Aquarech, Hydro Victoria, RIAT and Livingwood Consultants are committed to creating 150,000 jobs for the young people through the Youth in Sustainable Aquaculture programme (YISA) across Siaya, Busia, Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Kilifi counties.
Youth in Sustainable Aquaculture(YISA) stands as a testament to the power of youth empowerment and the positive impact of sustainable aquaculture. Through its comprehensive training programs, resource allocation, and mentorship, YISA has enabled a group of young people in Kosimbo to become active participants in the local economy and environmental stewardship. They have gained self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship through YISA's training, resources, and mentoring programs.
Young women and men during a training on Units of Economics
We began the recruitment process by conducting a comprehensive recruitment process online through a registration link and from the local community. Following rigorous training sessions conducted by aquaculture experts, the participants were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and manage their own fish ponds. With the support of YISA, these aspiring aquaculturists constructed ten ponds, carefully filled them with the appropriate water quality, and installed protective harper and predator nets to safeguard their aquatic investments(Fingerlings).
Click next
The introduction of fingerlings marked a crucial turning point in the project's development. Aquarech & YISA facilitated the procurement and distribution of these young fish, ensuring that each pond received a sufficient quantity to support healthy growth. The journey continues as the participants monitor their ponds, providing the fingerlings with the appropriate feed and maintaining optimal water conditions.
Fingerling distribution gallery
The impact of YISA extends far beyond the construction of fish ponds. The project has catalyzed a significant shift in the mindset of the participating youth, inspiring them to embrace aquaculture as a viable career path and a means of improving their livelihoods. By cultivating their own fish, these young individuals are actively contributing to the local economy and reducing their reliance on traditional sources of income.
YISA's commitment to empowering marginalized communities is evident in its target audience. The project prioritizes the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and young women and men, particularly those residing in riparian areas. By providing these individuals with the tools and opportunities to succeed in aquaculture, YISA is helping to bridge the gap between marginalized groups and mainstream society.
Comments