Malawi Fish Farmers Aim to Earn Over K20M from New Venture
The farmers plan to start selling fish in December 2024 and have already expanded by digging a second pond, transferring 3,000 fish to the new location.
KASUNGU, Malawi— A group of 23 smallholder farmers in Kasungu District are expecting to generate over K20 million through a new fish farming project supported by international aid organizations, writes Esther Banda.
The Visoyo Fish Pond Farmers, consisting of 13 women and 10 men, began their aquaculture venture in October 2023 and currently maintain a pond with over 10,000 fish.
Carlos Longwe, the pond manager, expressed optimism about the project's potential.
"With this fish farming business we can see ourselves achieving our dreams soon," Longwe said.
The group is part of a broader initiative implemented by Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid, funded by the Government of Flanders, aimed at helping smallholder farmers adapt to climate change and diversify their income sources.
Robin Pemba, an agronomist with the project, praised the farmers' efforts. "Once they start selling, they will be able to earn a living and change their lives," Pemba said.
The farmers plan to start selling fish in December 2024 and have already expanded by digging a second pond, transferring 3,000 fish to the new location.
Longwe highlighted the project's long-term vision: "We are planning to buy goats for pass-on so that no one of us should struggle with life anymore."
The three-year project, which began in January 2022 and runs through December 2024, has engaged 181 farmers in aquaculture production and aims to contribute to Malawi's national agricultural development goals.