Fish farming in cages on the banks of Lake Albert, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, represents a real innovation in the field of aquaculture. In Kasenyi, 55 km from Bunia, the village of Muchanga saw the emergence of a project led by Robert Ucaya Cwinya’y, second vice-president of the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) in the province of Ituri.
The project aims to alleviate the scarcity of fresh fish on Lake Albert, which forced local traders to travel to Lake Victoria in Uganda to obtain supplies. Thanks to the installation of fish farming cages, an initial production of nearly fifty tonnes of fish was achieved, marking significant progress in the sector.
Robert Ucaya Cwinya’y’s vision goes beyond the simple production of fish in cages. Indeed, the project is designed to meet the needs of local populations by offering a regular supply of fresh fish. With an estimated production capacity of nearly 60 additional tonnes in the coming months, the project aims to guarantee a regular supply to the local market, particularly in Bunia, while contributing to the economic development of the region.
The importance of this project is not limited to fish production, but also extends to strengthening food security and promoting self-sufficiency. By relying on the abundant fishing resources of Lake Albert, this project demonstrates that it is possible to promote local natural resources for the well-being of populations.
In conclusion, cage fish farming on the shores of Lake Albert represents a concrete example of sustainable development and innovation in the aquaculture sector in the DRC. This project, driven by private initiative and supported by local authorities, opens the way to new opportunities for economic growth and food security in the Ituri region.