Fish farming empowers communities

 Communities in Traditional Authority Mavwere in Mchinji District have turned to fish farming for their nutritional needs and income generation.

The community members constructed ponds in shallow wetlands and along Bua and Namitete river banks.

One of the fish farmers, Frederick Chaima, said he constructed his pond in 2003 to raise fish for relish.

“However, over the years, fish farming has proved to be a lucrative business. I increased production and now I do not only get relish, but also sell some to people in the village,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.

Chaima said fish, being rich in protein, is the easiest source of relish in the area.

He said when other community members joined him they formed  Nkhumba Fish Club.

Another farmer, Visit Tsoka, who started raising fish in 2008, said working as a group has many advantages.

“Through the club, we were able to undergo trainings on how to construct ponds and raise fish as various organisations showed interest in empowering us,” he said.

Charles Lupiya, another farmer from Santhe Village, said they harvest fish twice a year.

“Fish farming has improved our livelihood. Besides providing us with relish to improve our nutrition status, we sell the fish and raise money to support our families,” he explains.

Lupiya said in the wake of climate change shocks such as prolonged dry spells and floods, fish farming remains a viable venture that can empower people socio-economically