Cooperative Development Foundation Canada (CDF Canada) has encouraged fish farmers in Dowa District, Malawi, to diversify their farming activities to increase income and improve food security. The organisation's integrated agriculture and aquaculture specialist, Tionge Nyirenda, made the call during a media tour of demonstration plots in the district. Nyirenda emphasized the need for farmers to move beyond relying solely on fish for their income. This approach aims to enhance household nutrition and generate more income.
Nyirenda expressed her satisfaction with the farmers' ability to appreciate fish of different sizes during the harvest. This indicates a positive response to the organisation's initiatives. Dowa district fisheries officer, Manson Msukwa, believes the initiative will boost farmers' productivity. He noted that the project aligns with Malawi's long-term development plan, Malawi 2063, specifically pillar one, which focuses on agriculture productivity and commercialisation.
The project, implemented in collaboration with Community Agribusiness Partners, aims to build resilience among farmers. CDF Canada is funding a five-year project, "Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi," which covers eight districts, including Dowa. The initiative promotes integrated farming systems, such as rearing goats and growing fruits, to improve income sources and household nutrition.
Machenthe Cooperative Society chairperson, Godfrey Phiri, welcomed the project, citing its potential to provide capital for integrated fish ponds. He noted that access to capital will enable farmers to purchase fish feed, which is currently expensive. This will help sustain their farming activities and improve productivity.
The project is being implemented in eight districts: Chitipa, Rumphi, Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Ntchisi, Dowa, Zomba, and Thyolo. Funding for the project comes from Norway. By promoting diversified farming activities, the project seeks to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers in these districts.
CDF Canada's initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of farmers in Dowa District and beyond. By adopting integrated farming systems, farmers can reduce their reliance on a single source of income and improve their resilience to climate change and other challenges.
The project's focus on agriculture productivity and commercialisation aligns with Malawi's national development goals. By supporting farmers in Dowa District and other areas, CDF Canada and its partners aim to contribute to the country's economic growth and food security.
Key points
- CDF Canada urges fish farmers to diversify activities to increase income and improve food security.
- The project aims to build resilience among farmers and promote integrated farming systems.
- The initiative aligns with Malawi's long-term development plan, Malawi 2063.
