The Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) has launched a research project aimed at increasing fish production in Rwanda, reducing farming costs, and making better use of water and land through a technology known as Biofloc Technology (BFT).
The project was launched on October 9, 2026, under the title “Introduction of Biofloc Technology for High Profitable Aquaculture in Rwanda.” It is funded by the European Commission through Enabel Rwanda under the DeSIRA+ programme.
The Rector of ICK, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, said the project aims to increase fish production and contribute to economic development. He emphasized that university research should go beyond academic papers and scientific journals to bring practical benefits to ordinary people.
“We want the results of this research not to stop at articles published in research journals, but to reach the plates of Rwandans.” He said
The statement means that the university wants its research findings to benefit people directly, including by helping fish farming produce more fish for consumption in Rwanda.
The project is therefore not only focused on conducting scientific research but also on finding practical ways to increase fish production and help fish farmers achieve better results.
Biofloc Technology is a fish farming method that uses microorganisms to convert waste and nutrients in water into biological material that can provide additional nutrients for fish. Depending on how the system is managed and the type of fish being raised, the technology can help reduce water consumption, lower fish feed costs, and increase production.
Through this project, ICK will test and promote the use of Biofloc Technology in Rwanda’s fish farming sector. The research will examine whether the method can help farmers produce more fish at a lower cost while using available natural resources more efficiently.
However, successful use of Biofloc Technology requires technical knowledge and careful management. Farmers must monitor water quality, oxygen levels, and other important conditions. They must also manage equipment and energy use properly. The research will therefore be important in determining how well the technology can work under Rwanda’s fish farming conditions.
The project is expected to run until April 2029. Its findings are expected to provide useful information about the potential of Biofloc Technology to increase fish production, reduce farming costs, and support economic development.
The actual impact on fish production, farming expenses, and farmers’ profits will depend on the results of the research trials and how effectively the technology is implemented.
