The fishing community of Kigga Landing in Apac District has long struggled with post-harvest losses caused by rudimentary sun-drying methods. Without reliable power or modern preservation technologies, fish often spoils before reaching the market, eroding incomes and weakening livelihoods.
To address this challenge, Vitality Uganda Limited, a pioneering agribusiness and social enterprise, has launched the Kiga Green Energy Project. The initiative introduces solar-powered dryers that will revolutionize fish processing by ensuring consistent quality, reducing waste, and extending shelf life. This innovation not only improves food security but also creates new opportunities for local processors, traders, and small enterprises.
As a trusted partner, BARO (Bridge Africa Research Organisation) was asked to head the project proposal designing committee and now oversees the implementation of the solar dryer construction. Our role ensures that the technology is delivered effectively, empowering the community to adopt sustainable practices that enhance productivity and income.
The project directly tackles the problem worth solving: lack of affordable and reliable power for fish processing. By harnessing renewable energy, the solar dryers provide a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution that strengthens technical and business skills while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Unlike traditional sun-drying, which is weather-dependent and compromises product quality, or ice block preservation, which incurs high transport costs and has limited shelf life, solar dryers offer a modern, resilient, and scalable alternative.
The impact of this project extends beyond fish preservation. It represents a new model of community empowerment, where renewable energy drives economic independence, environmental sustainability, and social progress. By reducing losses, improving product quality, and opening access to better markets, the Kiga Green Energy Project positions Kigga’s fishing community as a leader in climate-smart innovation.
