Fishing for Solutions: When Innovation and Creativity collide
The power behind most solutions is an innovative idea that sparks more innovative ideas. In the United States and in countries around the world, there is a great need for solutions oriented ideas to address the plentiful issues that are plaguing communities, neighborhoods, towns and cities. DW Global followed a story about a community and the solutions that they are creating. In Kenya, an innovative idea has been the start of solving a issue that affects the slums in one area. Near Lake Victoria, many fish companies dump their fish skins around and in the lake. The lake happens to be near a poor community which is affected by the excessive dumping. The fish skins that are laid out attract flies, maggots and other bugs that can cause bacteria and sickness. While most people did not see the value in the fish skins, one entrepreneur wanted to attempt to the solve this issue by re-purposing the fish skins for something more useful.
He gathered together the fish skins to see if he could produce a fish leather that could be reused for shoes, clothes and other accessories. It took him two years to find a solution that was organic and would thoroughly clean the fish skin so that they could free of bacteria and also be wearable. Once he found an acid solution made of papaya, banana and bean leafs, he began to produce the fish leather and involved his community into the process. As people began to see the quality of the materials, they began to buy them. This solution employs people in the community, helps to reduce the fish waste and provides quality clothing and accessories for those in the community and outside of it.
While this innovative idea is gaining attention and helping many people, there are some issues with the project that can prevent it from moving forward. As of now, it is hard for the company to skilled, reliable workers which makes it hard to meet the demand of the people. However, because of its growing popularity, if this Kenyan entrepreneur is able to employ more workers from his community that are able to learn the production of the fish leather it can benefit that neighborhood in many ways. The reduction of the fish waste can possibly increase and those that are currently impacted will not be as affected by the bacteria. As the story is still developing, it is my hope that the solution is able to continue and expand.
