Three international firms are vying to win a contract to develop a master plan for the productivity and commercialisation of the fishery sector. Consulting firms from Spain, Italy and Uganda have submitted their bids to a committee under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Developing a master plan for the fishery sector is part of a project financed by the World Bank, launched three years ago. It will be the first for Ethiopia, a country with vast aquatic resources, including over 20 lakes and 12 river basins. Experts estimate over 200 freshwater fish species in the country, including 194 natives, 40 endemics, and six exotic species. Commercialising the sources to full potential required a master plan.

The Ministry floated an international tender last year where Fewer than a dozen firms showed interest, with half its officials shortlisted.

Among them is DT Global, a Spain-based firm incorporated 60 years ago. It has experience in Angola and Sierra Leone, working on portable water projects. However, it is challenged by contenders with experience working in Ethiopia in the past.

Based in Kampala, Uganda, Eccelenzia Consorzio Research & Management (ECRM) is a company focusing on sustainable natural resource utilisation. Incorporated in 2007, it was involved in ecological and socioeconomic surveys conducted on Baro, Wabeshebella and Turkana rivers. AquaBioTech Group and AGT International, both Italian firms, are the third to submit a joint bid. AquaBioTech specialises in aquaculture, fisheries and aquatic environmental projects. Incorporated in 1969, AGT International took part in the rehabilitation and revival plan implemented in the 1980s, with financing from the European Economic Commission.

The selected firm is expected to finalise the master plan in eight months, according to Degayehu Desso, director of procurement at the Agriculture Ministry.

The bidding for the master plan comes three years following the World Bank's approval of a 170 million dollar project hoped to benefit 1.2 million people dependent on pastoralism and fishing.

“Half of the financing has already been used,” said Tomas Chernet (PhD), project coordinator.

The project has thus far been implemented in six regional states. Nearly 80-pond for fish culture has been constructed in 15 weredas, in partnership with close to 1,000 associations organised under the project. Each association comprises up to 25 members and receives a 140,000 Br grant for the construction of ponds. Members contribute 10pc. Construction costs close to 60,000 Br, while the balance goes towards the procurement of fishing equipment.

No less than 20 fish ponds have been established in five weredas across the Oromia Regional State, disclosed Bulbula Regassa, fishery development coordinator for the Oromia Livestock & Fishery Development Bureau.

Rahimato Abamoga, 42, is one of the beneficiaries of the project. Last year, he joined an association in Kersa Wereda, Oromia, in hopes of supplementing the income he earns from growing maise and wheat on two hectares. He was keen to try his hand in the fish business when wereda officials approached him with the proposition. Three months ago, he earned 600 Br from the sale of 30 fish.

“I'm hoping the proceeds will grow in the future,” said Rahimato, who supports a family of six.