Nepad tips Malawi on aquaculture
New Partnesrhip for Agriculture Development Programme (Nepad) agency in South Africa has said Malawi stands to benefit in the regional and continental fish markets if the country invests in its aquaculture sector.
Speaking on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Nepad’s Sloans Chimatiro said Malawi was at an advantage after the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) was identified to coordinate scientific research in Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
“Luanar is expected to be nurturing scientists who can offer technical expertise to countries that have identified fish as one of the key drivers of their respective economies,” said Chimatiro.
He hailed the country for registering tremendous growth in aquaculture, noting that Nepad sees the future of the sector lying in the close collaboration between scientific research and the farmer on the ground.
Chimatiro’s remarks follow recent Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that rated Malawi as one of the countries with the fastest growing aquaculture sectors on the continent; a move he said can enhance its markets amid regional population growth.
According to Kawjo Foundation, which is implementing the innovative integrated agriculture project in partnership with Luanar, Malawi’s first harvest is a step in the right direction towards economic empowerment and improved livelihoods.
Kawjo executive director Emmanuel Kaunda expressed satisfaction with the response the foundation is receiving from the local communities in implementing the project.
