Faith Mwende harnesses the power of fish waste in recycling and creates sustainable entrepreneurial solutions in the blue economy – In today’s world, where sustainability and resource optimization are crucial, one entrepreneur is making significant strides in the blue economy. Faith Mwende, the founder of Sea Ventures, has developed a brand of products called Zuri Feeds, which offers quality organic animal feeds and fertilizers made from fish waste. By reutilizing disregarded fish waste, Sea Ventures aims to tap into the untapped potential of the blue economy and the fish value chain.
Sea Ventures operates in close collaboration with the fisher folk fraternity, including fishermen, Beach Management Units (BMUs), fish processing companies, fish vendors, and the local community known as “mama Karangas.” By partnering with these stakeholders, Sea Ventures collects fish waste, which would otherwise go to waste, and transports it to their facility in Utange, Mombasa for processing.
Faith Mwende, a marine biologist with a deep understanding of the fish industry value chain, was motivated to address the issue of post-harvest losses in fishing. She recognized that a significant amount of fish was being wasted either during fish processing or as non-targeted by-catches. Astonishingly, approximately 60-70% of fish goes to waste, while only 30-40% is utilized. This waste represents a considerable loss within the blue economy and the fish value chain. To tackle this problem, Faith saw the need to reutilize fish waste and create a solution that benefits both the environment and local farmers.
Additionally, Kenya faces a scarcity of animal feeds, which presents an opportunity for Sea Ventures to assist farmers. Recognizing the demand for animal feeds, Sea Ventures embarked on a mission to provide high-quality feeds to farmers, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Sea Ventures began its journey in 2022, and the company was officially established in January 2023. Starting with prototypes, Sea Ventures has now developed a range of products that require certification. The company has undergone training and received awards and funding from various organizations, positioning itself for further growth and success.
Currently, Sea Ventures produces chicken feeds, fish feeds, pig feeds, and pet feeds. With a focus on meeting industry standards, they are in the final stages of refining and formulating their products to obtain certification. To enhance their production capacity, Sea Ventures has invested in machinery capable of producing 500 kilograms per hour, and they have plans to upscale further.
Employing a team of five workers and five casual laborers for production and processing, Sea Ventures also engages twenty women from the local community to collect fish waste and other raw materials like coconut flakes. As the business expands, Sea Ventures aims to create more employment opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
Like any business venture, Sea Ventures faced financial challenges during its inception. Manufacturing animal feeds requires a significant investment in raw materials and machinery. Faith mentions that determining the exact starting capital is difficult due to the extensive research and analysis involved in the process.
However, Sea Ventures has received support and approval from various authorities. The County Government of Mombasa has authorized its operations, and the Kenya Fisheries Service and County Fisheries have provided invaluable support. To ensure the standardization of their products, Sea Ventures is committed to working closely with the relevant legal entities.
Direct beneficiaries of Sea Ventures’ products are poultry farmers, fish farmers, pig farmers, and pet owners. By offering extension services and follow-ups, Sea Ventures aims to assist farmers in optimizing their farming practices and achieving sustainable outcomes. Additionally, Sea Ventures takes its social responsibility seriously and is actively involved in training community members on sustainable farming practices. Their current focus is training aquaculture farmers, contributing to the overall development of the local community.
While competition exists in the animal feed industry, the high demand for animal feeds in Kenya presents a favorable market for Sea Ventures. As they continue to establish themselves, Sea Ventures plans to expand their operations to other regions by opening additional outlets to supply their animal feeds.
Faith said, Of course, no journey comes without challenges. Sea Ventures faces obstacles such as a lack of advanced machinery for processing animal feeds, the capital-intensive nature of the business, and the perishability of fish waste. To mitigate these challenges, Sea Ventures is actively seeking solutions, including acquiring suitable equipment for proper storage to prevent spoilage.
What sets Sea Ventures apart is its unique value proposition
Their products offer nutritious high-fish protein, sourced sustainably from fish meals. Sea Ventures ensures accessibility by providing delivery and door-to-door services, making their feeds easily available to farmers. Moreover, Sea Ventures emphasizes affordability, safety, and high dietary value in their products. By adhering to the required standards and formulations, they produce whole-balanced meal feeds that boost weight and are easily digestible. Their organic feeds and pelletized products further contribute to minimizing waste.
Sea Ventures doesn’t stop at providing products; they also offer extension services to farmers, training them on sustainable fish farming practices. By conducting site visits, Sea Ventures monitors the impact of their feeds and ensures that farmers receive ongoing support.
Faith Mwende and Sea Ventures are determined to make a lasting impact in the blue economy and the agricultural sector. With their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development, Sea Ventures is poised to become a leader in the production of organic animal feeds and fertilizers while contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly fish value chain.
Faith Mwende harnesses the power of fish waste in recycling and creates sustainable entrepreneurial solutions in the blue economy
