Fish Farming Brings Fresh Hope and Income to Dedza Communities In Malawi

Communities under Group Village Head (GVH) Mkomba, Traditional Authority Tambala in Dedza District, have embraced fish farming as a way to improve their livelihoods.

Since 2007, farmers in this area have been raising fish in ponds located in local wetlands. With support from World Vision Malawi, 33 farmers from the villages of Mkomba, Mtuwanga, Kajenda, Chiphwanya, and Bata became serious about the venture. Their efforts culminated in 2022 when they mobilized themselves to form the Chemba Fish Farming Cooperative.

Francis Koloni, a fish farmer from GVH Mkomba, explains that fish farming is a dual blessing as it improves nutrition and generates income for them.

"World Vision promoted fish farming to ensure families have access to both food and income," he says.

Another farmer, Zainab M’dala from Kumwembe Village, shares how fish farming has transformed her life.

"I have two fishponds where I raise makumba and chilungumba species. World Vision first donated fingerlings in 2007 from Mangochi. Later, Dedza District Council and other organisations added the fingerlings in the 2022 and 2023 season" she explains.

M’dala, who started fish farming in 2022, says that in June 2024, she harvested 47 kilograms of fish, which she sold for MK211,500.

"Before this, the highest income I ever made was K86,000. Fish farming is a lucrative business. It helps me support my family, and I use the money to pay school fees for my children," she says.

Timothy Kabango, an officer at the Mayani Extension Planning Area, says his office trains farmers on fishpond construction, feed preparation, and fish management.

"Currently, there are 212 fishponds in the area. Three are owned by individuals, while the rest are managed by the cooperative," he says.