More Fish, More Food

In Africa, fish are a vital source of protein for more than 200 million people. But fish catches have been declining while demand continues to increase—so per capita consumption has fallen. Aquaculture has been touted as the Holy Grail of sustainable fish production, but its effectiveness in terms of both yield and farming efficiency had not been conclusive—until now!

WorldFish Center researchers have pioneered the use of Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture (IAA) technologies, systems of farming that support the recycling of nutrients by growing fish alongside conventional cropping regimes. In Malawi, WorldFish has been undertaking the basic field research and helping to implement these IAA technologies since the mid­1980s in cooperation with Department of Fisheries. When WorldFish began its research and on-farm trials in 1986, the total number of fish farmers in the country was only 400. Today there are more than 4,000. The spread of IAA technology has seen the country’s aquaculture production increase by 22% a year from 1996 to 2001.

On a national level, total annual fish production from all fish­ponds combined has increased more than ten times, from 90 to more than 1,000 tons per year. The impact at community level has been just as promising. Results are impressive. Farm productivity in Malawi has increased by 10 percent, farm income rose by 28 percent, technical efficiency of farming improved by almost 50 percent and per capita fish consumption increased 160 percent. It has also improved the sustainability and health of farms by reducing nitrogen losses.

A major reason for the project’s success has been its inclusive and participatory approach. Instead of using a “top-down” approach to technology dissemination, the project engaged directly with farmers, utilizing their resource base and recognizing the various constraints they faced. The return on investment is a handsome 15 percent.

These results from Malawi are extremely positive, and aquaculture is well on the way to reaching its potential here. The new IAA technologies are being adopted by Cameroon, Mozambique and Zambia. More fish = more food and higher incomes for poor people.