Reviving Livelihoods Through Sustainable Fishing on Bussi Island, Uganda
In Uganda, fishing is a cornerstone of life for many rural and lakeside communities, providing both food and income. Yet, as climate change intensifies and government regulations crack down on unsustainable fishing practices, vulnerable populations, especially women, are facing rising levels of poverty, food insecurity, and economic exclusion. Women in fishing communities, while traditionally active in post-harvest activities like processing and trade, are too often left without direct access to resources, training, or leadership opportunities within the sector.
On Bussi Island in Lake Victoria, these challenges are compounded by deeply rooted gender inequality, widespread gender-based violence (GBV), high rates of teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and limited access to education or stable employment. The government’s well-intentioned fishing restrictions, designed to protect overfished waters, have inadvertently led to job losses and a spike in poverty-related social issues such as crime, drug abuse, and child labor.
Women, particularly elderly HIV-positive women, survivors of GBV, teen mothers, and those formerly involved in sex work, are among the most affected. Lacking opportunities to earn a dignified income, they and their families remain trapped in cycles of vulnerability.
Ugandan NGO Rachi Action for Healthcare Initiatives (RAHI), is launching a transformative project that uses climate-smart aquaculture to empower 200 women and girls. This initiative will provide hands-on training in fish farming techniques, including pond management, fish breeding, and value addition practices such as smoking and refrigeration. Participants will also receive entrepreneurship and financial literacy training to support sustainable, women-led fish farming businesses.
Key components of the project include:
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Construction of fish ponds and provision of fingerlings (tilapia and catfish) and feed.
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Environmental education to promote eco-friendly aquaculture practices.
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Market access support through value-added production and cooperative selling.
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Community workshops on climate change and gender equity.
Long Term Project Impact
This initiative will serve as a lifeline for women and girls who have long been excluded from economic participation in the fishing sector. It is expected to:
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Certify 300 women in aquaculture techniques.
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Produce up to 5 tons of fish per pond annually to combat food insecurity.
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Create over 350 direct and indirect jobs across the aquaculture value chain.
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Improve household nutrition and increase income for hundreds of families.
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Strengthen gender equity by positioning women as leaders in a traditionally male-dominated field.
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Raise awareness about the environmental importance of sustainable fishing and climate adaptation.
Introducing Rachi Action for Healthcare Initiatives
Rachi Action for Healthcare Initiatives (RAHI) is a trusted Ugandan NGO with a proven track record of improving the health and livelihoods of marginalized rural communities. With a strong focus on women’s empowerment and sustainable development, RAHI works at the grassroots level to create resilient, inclusive societies.
Their programs are designed to support young mothers, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), adolescent mothers, HIV-positive women and their families, young girls affected by early and forced marriages, and unemployed youth. Through aquaculture, they aim to improve food security, increase household income, reduce GBV by addressing its economic and cultural roots, and foster community resilience and cohesion.
100% of Your Donation Will Help This Aquaculture Project