Breathing life into aquaculture

The Aquaculture Enterprise (AE) says its main mission to transform aquaculture in the country through the empowerment of fish farmers.

The enterprise, which is currently supporting 20 fish farmers, was set up in 2013, according to its project technical manager, Abudala Napuru.

Napuru said it is high time fish farmers in the country practised sustainable aquaculture if they are to make profits out of fish farming.

“Our aim is to explore the potential for commercial  fish farming in Zomba, Chiradzulu and Thyolo by developing an input supply and technical support partnership to manage project activities and operate as a social enterprise,” said Napuru.

He said the three-year project operates using a loan fund managed by Microloan Foundation.

“The farmers in the said districts are benefiting from the trainings we conduct in business management, aquaculture management and sales and marketing techniques.

“The farmers have also developed internet skills which enable them to acquire the knowledge through modern technology,” he said.

AE has five partners—the Scotland Malawi Business Group, the Institute of Aquaculture Stirling University, Microloan Foundation, Umodzi Consulting and the Mpatsa Trust.

The project is expected to end in 2016.-—Mana.