Rwanda resumes Fisheries in Lake Kivu

The Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) has announced that fishing activities in Lake Kivu have resumed after two months of suspension.

Fishing activities had been suspended as part of fish breeding and increasing productivity.

A statement from the RAB website said, “The RAB informs the public that fishing in Lake Kivu has resumed two months after the lake closed. Fishermen are required to use legal traps, fishing tricks and compliance with COVD-19 prevention guidelines. ”

Lake Kivu is one of the most productive fish farms in the country.

Figures provided by RAB show that fish production in Rwanda has increased over the past 26 years from 7,000 tonnes in 1994 to 35,324 tonnes, a fivefold increase.

In 2018, the number of fish exported was 15,000 tons, while in 2019, 13457 tons of fish were imported.

The reduction in fish exports has also been associated with an increase in exports, as the RAB reports that at least 30% of the available production is exported and 70% is used domestically.

In general, Rwandans eat an average of 2.5 kilograms of fish a year, which is slightly lower than in other East African countries where the population is estimated to eat at least six kilograms.

In the Burera and Ruhondo Lakes in Burera District, a fish farm has recently been set up, which is expected to boost the country’s fish production.