GREEN ENTERPRISES - Alternative livelihoods: Key to fisheries restoration in Lake Malawi
Conservation enterprises implement various interventions aimed at conserving biodiversity and fisheries resources while simultaneously conducting business activities.
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MONKEY BAY, Malawi (Planet Defence) - Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi (REFRESH) Project, funded by USAID through Pact Malawi, is striving to revive the fisheries resources in Lake Malawi. Working across the eight lake districts of Karonga, Rumphi, Likoma, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Salima, Dedza, and Mangochi, the project collaborates with Conservation Enterprises (CEs) writes Elijah Katantha
These Conservation Enterprises implement various interventions aimed at conserving biodiversity and fisheries resources while simultaneously conducting business activities.
The objective is to sensitize communities to adopt alternative income-generating ventures, diminishing their dependence on fishing and ultimately alleviating pressure on Lake Malawi's fisheries.
To ensure guidance and monitoring of activities carried out by the CEs, Technoserve, an implementing partner under the REFRESH Project, focuses on commercializing conservation enterprises. Recently, they visited Gome Farmer Based Organization (FBO) situated in Malindi, Mangochi district.
Comprising 20 members, Gome FBO is one of the CEs benefiting from technical and financial assistance provided by the USAID REFRESH Project.
The enterprise has undergone capacity building, receiving training in group dynamics, financial bookkeeping, proposal development, marketing, and resource mobilization.
Financially, Gome FBO secured a MK5 million grant. With these funds, they procured irrigation equipment including pipes, sprayers, a water pump, and are in the process of acquiring a water tank. These tools are vital for irrigating their varied crops such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cassava, maize, beans, soya beans, and groundnuts.
Abdulah Mtwana, chairperson of the organization, expressed gratitude for the support received through the REFRESH project.
Mtwana highlighted the acquisition of a water tank as a significant milestone in addressing their irrigation challenges. He emphasized, "With technical support from the project, we've encouraged fishing communities to adopt alternative livelihoods. Now, we witness individuals who have shifted from fishing to cultivating sweet potatoes and other crops, contributing to reduced pressure on the lake's fishing activities."
Senior Business Advisor, Dziko Malonje Malonje, commended the organization's members for their coordination and prudent use of the grant for its intended purpose. He assured continued project support to help the organization realize its vision.
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