Considering the growing demand for fresh fish in the suburb of metropolitan Addis Ababa, Aynalem Mulugeta, a young entrepreneur has taken an initiative to provide a sustainable solution with small-scale fish farming for which he was acknowledged by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Despite the availabilityof market opportunities, the entrepreneur is struggling with challenges related to shortage oflandand he is not even yet licensed for the pond where he is now fishing.
Applying for a land license on one hand, Aynalem continues making waves in the local community on the other through proving the capacity of urban farming by supplying 10 to 15 kilograms of fresh fish daily from his fishpond located in the suburb, Bole Bulbula.
“My fishpond area is about 2000 meter square and 200 meter faraway from Legedadi River that streams from the city surroundings. I always use electric-powered pump to fetch water from the river. I was once awarded by Ministry of Agriculture for my achievement,” he told The Ethiopian Herald.
Aynalem’s venture is not only providing fresh fish but also contributing exemplary experience to the local economy. His business is becoming an alternative to the limited fish supplies to his customers who were buying and transporting fish from distant regions.
“I began with pond fishing with a vision of creating sustainable income and actually become source of fresh fish within the vicinity of the city. I need the government to support me with land provision. I am not licensed for the ownership of the pond where I am fishing. I could supply more amount as the potential is still untouched,” he underlined.
Seconding to Aynalem’s sentiment, Investor GirmaMengistu, who involved in animal feed production with his enterprise named Friendship Agro-Industry PLC, said that the agricultural sector holds more opportunities far bigger than the existing ones.
“We are producing and supplying animal feedings. Almost 98% of our products are made of locally produced inputs. We just need the support of the government to expand our businesses that could benefit more people and create jobs,” he said.
The future looks promising for agricultural entrepreneurs as the government pledges support to expand agricultural funding. The government is supporting investors through land provision and incentives. Besides, it has expanding platform for the use of improved farming tools, soil fertilizers, and seeds, Agriculture Minister, Girma Amentie (PhD) said while opening the Agricultural investment exhibition.
He highlighted innovation and mechanization as key priorities in advancing the agriculture sector. The agriculture sector, which contributes one-third of national GDP and accounts for 65% of employment, is growing at an average rate of 5.2% per annum in recent years, according to Plan and Development Minister, Fitsum Assefa.
Legal and structural reforms are also expected to attract more private sector investment, including foreign companies. Financing had been a challenge for the sector, with foreign investment was rare. However, she expressed optimism that the recently introduced macro-economic reform would enable agricultural investors to access financial support from both local and international creditors.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
The Ethiopian Herald August 18/2024
