Chikwawa District Council has intensified efforts to promote commercial fish farming as part of strategies aimed at improving household incomes and strengthening livelihoods in the district.
The council on Wednesday held an agricultural field day at PEKA Fisheries Limited in the area of Traditional Authority Maseya, bringing together farmers, fisheries stakeholders and district officials to showcase progress in fish farming and discuss challenges affecting the sector.
Speaking during the event, Council Chairperson Alexander Watch urged stakeholders to collaborate in promoting fish farming across the district, saying joint efforts are essential in unlocking economic opportunities for local communities.
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District Fisheries Officer Annie Magombo said there is need for stronger coordination among stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth of the fisheries sector.
“Our district is blessed with abundant fish resources, yet we do not adopt best practices that could greatly benefit Chikwawa and Malawi as a whole,” said Magombo.
She observed that despite the availability of fish resources, the number of active fishers is declining due to weak coordination and unsustainable systems in the fisheries sector.
“There are many opportunities within the fisheries sector that remain underutilised. If we strengthen partnerships between communities and government institutions, we can improve resource management to ensure more people benefit from the fish industry,” she added.
Managing Director for PEKA Fisheries Limited, Luck Pedro Penemulungu, said the company has registered encouraging progress since its establishment in February 2025.
“We started with one pond stocking 12,500 fingerlings and we are now almost finishing harvesting. The response from customers has been very encouraging,” said Penemulungu.
He described aquaculture as a profitable venture but noted that the sector faces several challenges, including the high cost of fish feed and fingerlings.
Penemulungu therefore called on government to introduce supportive policies that promote commercial hatcheries through public private partnerships, particularly in the Shire Valley where conditions are favourable for fish breeding.