Kacheta Cooperative in Mangochi Empowers Women, Combats Poverty Through Fish-Based Food Production
Kacheta Cooperative in Monkey Bay, Mangochi, is working to combat poverty by producing food items such as sausage and porridge made from maize flour and fish.
Malawi: Kacheta Cooperative in Monkey Bay, Mangochi, is working to combat poverty by producing food items such as sausage and porridge made from maize flour and fish, writes Beston Simwaka.Â
The porridge, in particular, is said to help boost the immunity of pregnant women and children with stunted growth.
According to the cooperative's chairperson, Mrs Grace Nyirenda, the production of these products has allowed members to earn a living by selling them in various districts in the country.
Nyirenda also used the opportunity of the product launch to address some of the challenges facing the cooperative, including a lack of electricity.
She requested assistance in obtaining a Genset to ensure the cooperative can continue to operate during power outages.
The District Fisheries Officer for Mangochi, Nervason Msusa, praised the Kacheta Cooperative for its work under the small-scale fisheries project, which helps to preserve fish through the use of quality products.
He encouraged others in the area to join cooperatives like Kacheta and work together to preserve fish, as many in the community rely on it for their livelihood.
The representative from the Food and Agriculture Organization, Dr Zhijon Chen, expressed his admiration for the Kacheta Cooperative and its vision and promised to help address some of the problems it is facing, including the lack of electricity.
Kacheta Cooperative was established in 2013 and registered in 2014, with 23 members, 21 of whom are women.
It is located in Masasa village, Senior Chief Nankumba in Monkey Bay.