AgrAbility for Africa

Since the start of October, the AgrAbility for Africa staff have taken great interest in the safety of farmers living on the islands of Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water body in the world. When they are transporting goods to inland markets, there have been sky-rocketing cases of drowning following their boats capsizing due to the strong waves from the regular, violent storms.

Overloading, poorly maintained transport vessels, Ghost Gear traps (any fishing equipment that has been lost, abandoned, or discarded in the lake or ocean, including nets, traps, and lines), and ignoring the need of personal flotation devices (PFD), among other reasons, lead to a high death toll.

Through awareness and education campaigns on water safety precautions, support to enhance access to PFD, lifesaving, and swimming skills, the AgrAbility staff hope to reduce fatal accidents.

Submitted by Mutumba Faisal