State-of-the-Art Markets and Storage Facilities to Boost Fish Industry in Malawi
Malawi to construct modern markets and storage rooms to support fish industry, improve value addition, and reduce post-harvest losses.
LILONGWE, MALAWI — The Government of Malawi, in partnership with the African Development Bank, is set to construct state-of-the-art markets and storage facilities in Karonga, Nkhata-Bay, Nkhota-Kota, Salima, and Mangochi districts to boost the fish industry, writes Charles Mkoka.
The Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture Development,, and Watershed Management (SFAD-WM) Project, implemented by the Malawian government through the Department of Fisheries, aims to reduce poverty by improving fish commodity value addition, increasing consumption, strengthening nutritional security, and building climate resilience.
To enhance fish processing, the government plans to distribute brand new refrigerated vehicles, totalling seven three-ton trucks/vans, to various fish cooperatives across the country.
These vehicles will be provided on loan to assist cooperatives in transporting processed and value-added fish products to markets nationwide, reducing current post-harvest losses in the sector.
"We can turn around the economy if we invest in fish farming," explained SFAD-WM Project Coordinator Dr Robert Kafakoma in an interview.
The SFAD-WM Project promotes diversification from capture fisheries to aquaculture ventures, resulting in increased production and income.
It aims to improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities, reduce local fish prices, increase commercial fish exports, and enhance fish production to ensure food and nutritional security.
The five-year project, which started in 2020 and will conclude in 2024, focuses on improving fisheries and aquaculture productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, facilitating market-oriented intensification along the fisheries value chain, and strengthening fisheries and watershed management.