DevelopmentFeature

Fighting bad cultural practices to promote fishing

Geremu Wilson (not real name) vows never to construct fish ponds at his wife’s home village where he lives for fear of leaving them behind in the event of a dissolution of marriage. Wilson is following matrilineal system of marriage that requires him to settle at his wife’s home.
While some couples do not have to worry about such challenges, men in matrilineal or women in patrilineal societies often find themselves facing such dilemma. Indeed, the two cultural systems appear to have a bearing on development, including the advancement of fish farming.
Inkosi Nyoka of Mchinji has no kind word for people with Wilson’s thinking, saying their fears are misconstrued and a recipe for household poverty.
He argues marriage systems should not be used as a scapegoat for engaging in development activities such as fish farming.
“It is sad that some people still hold those archaic beliefs,” Nyoka says.

Experts are calling for better fish management in Malawi
Experts are calling for better fish management in Malawi
The traditional leader has asked all chiefs under his jurisdiction to encourage their subjects to grab the opportunity presented by non-governmental organisations in the district who are supporting them to start their own fish ponds, regardless of their marriage systems.
“I look forward to a time when there will be fish ponds in every village in the district,” says Nyoka.
Most areas in the district have good clay to loamy soils ideal for pond construction, with fairly flat terrain, and numerous rivers and dambos that maintain a higher water table throughout the year.
Despite Bua and Lusa rivers stretching across the district, the two rivers have insufficient production output of matemba fish, hence embarking on fish farming to guarantee communities a steady supply of fresh fish at farmers’ doorsteps.
Mchinji is located 250 kilometres from Lake Malawi in Salima.
As a result, fish is expensive. Because of such a distance, it is inevitable that the district is supplied with inadequate fish which is not enough to meet the district’s protein requirements.
“It is for this reasons that we are encouraging people to embark on fish farming with support from the district council and other external sources,” remarks Nyoka.
He says no chief should refuse anyone land for developing fish ponds.
Mchinji district fisheries officer (DFO) Gertrude Kajadu says her office is working closely with NGOs such as Christian Action Relief in Development (Card), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Concern World Wide in providing technical and extension services to rural communities on fish farming, complementing the funding they receive from the council.
Mchinji has 756 fish ponds and 880 fish farmers. Kajadu is optimistic that the numbers will increase.
The Fisheries Department established Nyoka Fish Farming Scheme in 2005, which is one of the demonstration sites to inspire local community engagement in fish farming in the border district. From an initial membership of 85, the scheme now has only 21 members.
Harrison Govea, a fisheries extension worker, says there is high potential for growth in the district’s fish industry.
“Fish is a good source of protein for good health,” stresses Govea.
Chairperson of Nyoka Fish Farming Scheme, Evans Kalebe, appeals for support towards the rehabilitation of the water system which is dilapidated.
Nyoka says he is committed to tackling the problem of traditional beliefs and practices that are affecting the development of fish farming in the district.

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