In the rolling hills of Bukwo District, where agriculture has long been the backbone of livelihoods, a quiet revolution is taking place. At the forefront of this transformation is Mutai Solomon, the Fisheries Officer and Acting District Fisheries Officer, whose unwavering dedication to community empowerment is reshaping the economic landscape of the region.
Armed with a deep understanding of aquaculture and a passion for community development, he has taken on the mission to transform fish farming into a cornerstone of sustainable livelihoods in Bukwo. His approach combines hands-on training, mentorship, and unwavering support for farmers eager to embrace this climate-smart and profitable venture.
Recognizing the untapped potential of aquaculture, he has conducted numerous training sessions, empowering local farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to set up and manage fish ponds effectively. From pond construction and stocking to feeding and harvesting, Solomon ensures farmers are well-equipped to maximize yields.
So far, his efforts have borne impressive fruit. Solomon oversees 55 fish ponds owned by 22 farmers across the district. These farmers, once reliant on traditional farming practices, are now reaping the benefits of fish farming. The results speak for themselves: a kilogram of fish fetches 12,000 Ugandan shillings, offering high returns in a relatively short time. This profitability has inspired more community members to consider fish farming as a viable economic activity.
‘Fish farming is not just about profits; it is also a climate-smart agricultural practice. With unpredictable weather patterns posing challenges to traditional farming, aquaculture offers a sustainable alternative. Fish ponds require less land and water compared to conventional farming methods and can be integrated with other agricultural practices, such as crop irrigation and livestock watering, to create a holistic farming system’ Said Mr Mutai Solomon.
One of the fish farmers told this Publication that after attending one of Solomon’s training sessions,he constructed a fish pond with his guidance. Today, his pond yields enough fish to feed his family and generate income to pay school fees for his children.
The journey of fish farming in Bukwo is a shared responsibility. Stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, and private investors, are called upon to support this transformative initiative. By providing access to affordable fingerlings, quality fish feed, and robust market linkages, we can amplify the impact of Solomon’s work. Together, let’s invest in aquaculture as a pathway to sustainable development and a brighter future for Bukwo District.
As Bukwo’s ponds continue to ripple with success, Mutai Solomon remains the anchor of this transformative journey, proving that change begins with one determined individual.
