Empowering Youth for Sustainable Aquaculture Markets and Job Creation

Aquaculture involves breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. At the same time, mariculture is of cultivating, managing and harvesting of marine organisms in coastal and offshore waters or enclosures like pens, tanks, and channels.

Young people are trained and empowered to be entrepreneurs and provided financing (loans) to start and grow their businesses as suppliers of raw material (inputs) or providers of services needed in the sector, as cage and pond farmers or franchisees. Those who choose to be producers (farmers) get the knowledge and skills to produce quality fish and maximize their profits.

They are supported in accessing quality raw materials (input), services, and equipment, primarily through member-based organizations, which makes their businesses profitable. In addition, they are introduced to digital platforms and climate-smart production systems for better returns while conserving the environment.

The program also supports county governments in identifying, designing, and implementing youth and agriculture-friendly programs, policies, and regulations. It challenges and reshapes socio-cultural norms and attitudes, ultimately promoting greater inclusion of women in a traditionally male-dominated sector.