FISH FARMING - Mzimba invests K40million in fish pond rehabilitation
Mzimba District Council has intensified the rehabilitation of fish ponds in the southern part of the district, leveraging grant support aimed at improving nutrition within local communities
MZIMBA, Malawi - Over 30 fish farmers in Mzimba District are set to benefit from the commencement of rehabilitation works on their fishponds initiated by M’mbelwa District Council writes Joel Phiri of the Malawi News Agency.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the fish ponds in Mzimba South is supported by a K40 million grant from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) under the Afikepo Performance Based Incentive (PBI) Programme, aiming to enhance nutrition among local communities.
Rose Ndawandawa, a farmer from the Champhinga area in Traditional Authority (T/A) M’mbelwa, expressed her optimism about the fish pond rehabilitation, anticipating increased fish yields and subsequently higher earnings from her fish business.
Another farmer, Dan Mhone from Chikangawa in T/A Kampingo Sibande, embraced the project with enthusiasm, envisioning the opportunity to rear and supply more fish to local markets.
"I have never raised more than 3,000 fingerlings on this fish pond before this initiative. With this support, I am expected to raise over 3,000 fingerlings. I anticipate significant profits from the increased sales," Mhone remarked.
Mzimba District secured the grant for its commendable efforts in scaling up nutrition interventions, earning the district the second position in the program.
Gift Simkonda, the nutrition officer for M’mbelwa District Council, highlighted that utilizing a portion of the K40 million funding, the council has begun rehabilitating 30 fish ponds in Manyamula, Kazomba, Champhira, Chikangawa, Vibangalala, and Khosolo, all located in Mzimba South.
"The rehabilitation of these 30 fish ponds will ensure their optimal functionality, leading to increased fish production by farmers. This surplus production aims to cater to the local markets, addressing potential scarcity and providing a vital protein source," stated Simkonda.
Andrew Saukani, the District Fisheries Officer for Mzimba, outlined that the fishponds' rehabilitation involves expansion, improving drainage systems, strengthening pond structures, infrastructural enhancements, and provision of fingerlings.