Fish farming changing lives in the quiet Kavunzoni village

According to the residents, the story of their lives has turned a new chapter courtesy of fresh fish farming.

One cannot count in one hand alone the number of fishponds dotting the open land.

Residents who spoke to Wananchi Reporting said that the area has for years gained notoriety as a hardship area, a land prone to lengthy drought and famine.

But not anymore, as Kavunzoni is fast becoming a fishing village – with the delicacy now attracting visitors from neighbouring villages like a magnet.

“Many people from the neighbouring villages are now coming here to enjoy fish, something that was rarely associated with this place,” said Robert Chengo, a resident of Kavunzoni.

Residents says that the area has been marginalised for years – but things are looking up.

“Fish has become part of almost every meal, this was unheard of in this place given we don’t have a fresh water lake or river here,” said Chengo.

The residents told Wananchi Reporting that fish farming has been made possible through sinking of boreholes in the area.

Area chief Mr. Steven Thethe says many people in the area are embracing fish farming.

“Our people can now put food on the table, and this means we are raising a healthy population,” said Thethe.

According to the local leader, fishponds are an alternative economic activity to charcoal burning, an activity that has left the land bare, and so agriculture cannot do well.

“Our people have for years become dependent on relief foods, but now they can engage actively in fish farming to earn a living,” said Chengo.

The residents are asking the county government and other stakeholders to channel more resources to support fish farming in the area.