Empowering Youth for Sustainable Aquaculture Markets and Job Creation

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This program supports young people, especially young women, in creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities in the aquaculture and mariculture sectors.

Aquaculture involves breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. At the same time, mariculture is of cultivating, managing and harvesting of marine organisms in coastal and offshore waters or enclosures like pens, tanks, and channels.

Young people are trained and empowered to be entrepreneurs and provided financing (loans) to start and grow their businesses as suppliers of raw material (inputs) or providers of services needed in the sector, as cage and pond farmers or franchisees. Those who choose to be producers (farmers) get the knowledge and skills to produce quality fish and maximize their profits.

They are supported in accessing quality raw materials (input), services, and equipment, primarily through member-based organizations, which makes their businesses profitable. In addition, they are introduced to digital platforms and climate-smart production systems for better returns while conserving the environment.

Young women are encouraged to join the program.

The program also supports county governments in identifying, designing, and implementing youth—and agriculture-friendly programs, policies, and regulations. It challenges and reshapes socio-cultural norms and attitudes, ultimately promoting greater inclusion of women in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

The program started in 2023 and will run until 2028.

WHO QUALIFIES?
The program is open to young women and men (aged 18-35 years) with a passion for success in these six counties: Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, and Kilifi (including Mombasa)

Young women are encouraged to apply.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The program operates in these six counties: Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, and Kilifi (including Mombasa).

ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER
Farm Africa is an international NGO with over 35 years of experience driving agricultural and environmental change to improve lives. Farm Africa’s mission is to help rural communities grow, sell, and sell for more while protecting the environment for years to come. Farm Africa has a vision of a resilient rural Africa where people and the environment thrive.