Mzimba Fish Farmers Urged to Fortify Ponds Against Seasonal Floods
The advisory underscores fish farming's economic importance, emphasizing that proactive infrastructure maintenance can protect agricultural investments and ensure consistent market supply.
MZIMBA, Malawi — Local fish farmers face critical infrastructure challenges as the rainy season approaches, with agricultural experts recommending proactive pond reinforcement to prevent potential economic losses, writes Victoria Yande.
The Department of Fisheries at M`mbelwa District Council has identified structural vulnerabilities in fish pond construction that could lead to significant fish losses during anticipated heavy rains.
Fisheries Officer Andrew Saukani outlined specific preventative strategies to protect aquaculture investments.
"Weak dikes frequently collapse during flooding, causing fish to be washed away," Saukani explained.
"Farmers must complete pond renovations before rainfall onset."
Climate predictions indicate Mzimba will experience above-normal rainfall in early December, increasing flood risks. Recommended mitigation strategies include:
1. Constructing robust water drainage channels
2. Planting vegetation like Vetiva to redirect water flow
3. Strengthening pond dike walls
4. Implementing modern fish farming technologies
The advisory underscores fish farming's economic importance, emphasizing that proactive infrastructure maintenance can protect agricultural investments and ensure consistent market supply.
By adopting these targeted interventions, Mzimba's fish farmers can potentially minimize flood-related losses and maintain productive aquaculture operations through the challenging rainy season.