SGCI funded Aquaculture Project shows promising results

The National Commission for Science and Technology, with funding from the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI), has been supporting Mzuzu University to implement a project that seeks to promote small-scale cage aquaculture in Likoma.Small scale cage aquaculture involves constructing and installing fish cages in the lake and stocking them with healthy and improved fingerlings. To implement the project, the University collaborated with the Likoma District Fisheries office to introduce the technology to fish farmers in Likoma.One of the lead researchers, Professor Fanuel Kapute, said that by integrating modern aquaculture technology with strong community participation, the project reduces reliance on the declining capture fisheries while ensuring responsible resource use and environmental stewardship.“This model strengthens livelihoods, secures a consistent fish supply, and promotes shared ownership through effective knowledge transfer. It demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can build resilience in Malawi’s food systems,” Professor Kapute said.The SGCI grant, amounting to K32,500,000, was used to implement the project for a period of two years from January 2024 to December 2025.During this period, farmers were able to stock the cages four times. The last stock was harvested on 8th February 2026.  From this stock, 2,760 kgs of fish were harvested, with each fish weighing an average weight of 350 grams.The fish sold at K14,000 per kg resulting in K38,000,000 total sales. With these results, the project has demonstrated great potential for sustainable food and nutrition security.Professor Kapute said beyond profitability, the initiative contributes to long-term sustainability by protecting wild fish stocks, encouraging eco-friendly practices, and empowering communities.“Its success provides a scalable blueprint for expanding cage aquaculture across Malawi’s lakeshore districts, enhancing national food security, creating employment opportunities, and laying the foundation for a resilient aquaculture industry that will benefit generations to come” he explained.