The government of Kagera region has finalised plans to introduce cage fish farming to increase revenue from fisheries resources
Permanent secretary in the Ministry for Livestock Development (Fisheries) Dr Rashid Tamatamah spoke about the completion of the plan during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kagera regional leaders, ministry of livestock development, Tanzania Agricultural Catalytic Trust (TACT) and Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences and Technology.
"President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Ministry of Livestock Development to increase the contribution of the fisheries sector to the GDP," Dr Tamatamah said.
He added that the Kagera region was chosen as a pilot area where cage fish farming would be implemented before the programme is expanded to other areas. He explained that Arusha-based Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences and Technology will spearhead research on aquatic creatures and will soon open a campus in Bukoba Municipal Council.
TACT CEO Dr John Kyaruzi praised authorities in Kagera region for allocating enough land at Kyamalange village in Bukoba Rural's Rubafu ward, where cage fish farming activities will be conducted on pilot basis. TACT will finance the programme.
Kagera regional commissioner Maj Gen Charles Mbuge hailed TACT and Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences and Technology, saying it was a milestone in the region's development. Meanwhile, Jahazi East Africa Company Ltd pledged to inject about US$26mn in the project.
