Context:

Various efforts have been made to improve fishing in Lake Victoria with the view to protecting the Lake biodiversity. Off-shore efforts are complimented by on-shore activities to make sure that conservation in the lake goes hand in hand with conservation of the lake shoreline. Under this project, three approaches are promoted: (1) Cage fishing, which keeps fish in cage from juvenile stage until maturity (2) Acquaculture whereby fish ponds are established on-shore to reduce fishing pressure off-shore and (3) strengthening Beach Management Units (BMUs) to conserve the shoreline and fish breeding sites. It is expected that the three approaches will contributes to other efforts that are intended to conserve the Lake Victoria and improve livelihoods of Lake adjacent local communities.

About the Proponent:

Tanzania National Service (JKT) was established to prepare Youths to become self reliance. To this end, youths stay in camps for 2 years. During the period, they are taught skills in modern farming. Dairy farming, masonry, carpentry, fishing and many others. The Camp, which is applying for this project has been training youths in cage fishing. This fishing technology, which was replicated from Uganda through south to South cooperation, is hailed as a pollution free fishing methodology. In addition, the camp is training Youths on how to harvest fish on upland through aquaculture. The camp is also promoting conservation of beaches and fish breeding sites through BMUs.

Project?s Primary Objective:

To contribute to the conservation of Lake Victoria and its environs through promotion of pollution free fishing technology; aquaculture and involving local communities through their BMUs in Lake shore protection.

Implementation Strategies:

1. Establish a demonstration fish caging unit at Karukekere village
2. Improve a reliable water supply system for hatchery and brooding ponds operations at Bulamba Camp
3. Establishment of quality brooding ponds for hatchery operation and production at Bulamba
4. Establish local production for fingerlings for JKT use and other fish farmers in the area
5. Promote conservation of Lake shores through BMUs for the camp adjacent communities in the villages of Busimbwe, Bulamba and Karukekere

Project Sustainability Strategies:

1. Project invests in food production. Investment in food production is both socially and economically viable
2. The demonstration projects are implemented with intensive training modules. Training is investment in human capital, which is a sustainable development pathway.
3. JKT will collaborate with the District Council. Both are permanent government entities.

Anticipated project Results:

1. 600 youths will acquire skills in cage fishing and aquaculture, which will contribute in achieving self reliant status
2. The target part of Lake Victoria will be conserved off-shore and on-shore
3. Increased fish stocks because of protection of fish breeding sites, control of illegal fishing conservation of the shoreline and production from fish ponds
4. Increased awareness and concern for conserved Lake together with its environs due to sensitization meetings on the importance of conservation
5. Strengthened BMU for community based sustainable management of Lake environs.