Fishermen in Rarieda sub-county have been advised to diversify into horticultural farming along the beaches to boost their socio-economic income.
Leaders in the area led by Joseph Okweso said it is high time fishermen engaged in such diversification to recover during low fish production.
He says the fish-stock in lake Victoria is depleting by the day as a result of climate change, adding that fishermen need an alternative.
He added that such a move will enable the fishing community to uplift their livelihood rather than relying entirely on unsustainable fishing activities which continue to dump them into poverty.
Speaking at Kopiata Beach in North Uyoma Ward, he said the soil along the shores of lake Victoria is very fertile and can yield different crops.
“Even vegetables like cabbage can really do well along the lake and even fruits like watermelon which can be used both for domestic and commercial purposes,” said Okweso.
He further encouraged the youths in Rarieda sub-county to form groups and apply for the youth funds allocated to them by the government to empower their socio-economic activities.
He also gave thumbs up to the area Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Onyango for fighting against insecurity along the beaches and encouraged them to roll it out in all the beaches.