Katanga aquaculture project
Katanga province is located in the south west of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because of the war the population’s livelihoods base was destroyed. Working closely with communities, Concern is conducting an aquaculture project here.
Refuge
The majority of the population in Katanga Province fled to nearby camps or took refuge in surrounding forests to escape systematic murder, abuse and harassment.
Vulnerable population
An assessment by Concern Worldwide in 2006 indicated that the restoration of livelihoods for returnees was impossible without assistance. Infrastructure which had been deliberately destroyed had decayed. Seed stocks, tools and animals were intentionally destroyed to leave the population extremely vulnerable.
Once Concern began working in the area, the trickle of returnees from camps and forests increased the need for assistance.
The project
In 2009 Concern began to respond to the poverty in the area by building fish ponds and stocking them with young fish. While the ponds have been a success to date, there is a need for the preservation and storage of fish. A lack of skill and knowledge often results in fish preservation being carried out ineffectively.
Fish farming in africa
The potential for aquaculture in Katanga is great and yet it remains underdeveloped despite some communities’ dependence on it. The project will improve family nutrition and income and it’s envisaged the benefits will be long-lasting.
It’s hoped this project will stimulate the development of other fish farms in other communities in the area.
Budget
The budget for this project is €50,000.
What your support will do
The project will fund the following:
- Identify vulnerable communities who will benefit from the fish ponds and smoking stations
- Clear the land and build ponds by digging land and building embankments
- Create an irrigation and watershed system
- Provide rice seeds to community groups for planting
- Procure and transport young fish to pond sites
- Provide on-site training, advice, monitoring and support
Outcomes
When this project is complete, 12 fish ponds and two smoking stations in two villages will have been established. As a result of this charity work, at least 200 families will benefit from an increase in food production and income. In addition, community groups will receive training in pond development management and cultivation along with fish smoking techniques.
Village water committees will be formed and trained to manage the pumps and will contribute to any running costs. Water quality will be continuously monitored. Around each new well a structure will be built to provide a separate area for animals to drink from.
You can help
Interested in supporting this project?
>> Email colm.dolan@concern.net
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