Empowering Smallholder Fish Farmers: Inside AquaRech’s Innovative Approach
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of aquaculture with Dave Okech, the founder and CEO of AquaRech, a trailblazing company revolutionizing fish farming in Kenya and across Africa. AquaRech is more than just a company—it’s a digital solution that’s tackling critical challenges faced by smallholder fish farmers, from access to high-quality fish feed and sustainable aquaculture practices to innovative financing solutions like the “buy now, pay later” model.
In this in-depth interview, Dave Okech shares how AquaRech’s mobile app platform empowers farmers through technology, enabling them to monitor fish growth, optimize feed usage, and connect directly to structured markets via a unique buyback system. With its inclusive approach, AquaRech serves farmers at all levels—through a USSD platform for feature phone users and advanced features like IoT-driven precision farming on its smartphone app. Farmers can reduce production time from 16 months to just 8 months while achieving a remarkable 40% increase in productivity.
But AquaRech’s impact doesn’t stop at the farm. The company is also bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through its Fish Deli app, delivering air-fried Kenyan farmed tilapia directly to customers’ doorsteps, showcasing a seamless blend of technology, sustainability, and convenience. This innovative approach positions AquaRech as a leader in the aquaculture industry, driving trends like digital aquaculture adoption and creating sustainable solutions for Africa’s growing protein demand.
Whether you’re a fish farmer looking to grow your business, an investor seeking opportunities in sustainable aquaculture, or simply curious about how technology is shaping food systems in Africa, this interview is packed with insights. Discover how AquaRech is supporting smallholder fish farmers with structured market systems, credit facilities, and technical support, all while creating a scalable model for sustainable growth in aquaculture.