THE Sustainable Aquatic Food (SAF) Project is helping small-scale fish farmers in Luapula Province improve fish production, increase household incomes, and contribute to food security through training and capacity-building initiatives.

The programme is implemented by German International Cooperation (GIZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The project began in January 2025 and will run until February 2028. The initiative is targeting 1,000 fish farmers and other players along the fish value chain, including processors and traders.

SAF Project Manager, Mazuba Muzyamba, said the project aims to strengthen Zambia’s food systems by increasing the production and consumption of fish and other aquatic foods.

“The project focuses on equipping small-scale fish farmers with knowledge and skills that can help increase fish production while improving nutrition and livelihoods,” she said.

Among the key areas covered in the trainings are fish production, processing, climate-smart aquaculture practices, financial management, and fish feed formulation. Farmers are also being introduced to partial harvesting, a method that allows them to harvest fish periodically instead of waiting for a full harvest after several months.

Ms Muzyamba said the approach enables farmers to access fish for household consumption and generate income throughout the production cycle.

The project is also helping farmers reduce production costs by training them to formulate fish feed using locally available materials such as cassava, rice bran, maize bran, and soya beans.

“Feed is one of the largest costs in fish farming. By using locally available materials, farmers can significantly reduce expenses and improve profitability,” she explained.

The project has so far rolled out training activities in six districts of Luapula Province and is expected to surpass its target number of beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, District Fisheries Officer for Kawambwa District under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lupupa Chongo, said the trainings are already making a positive difference among fish farmers.

Mr Chongo noted, the SAF Project first conducted a baseline survey to identify farmers’ needs before developing training modules tailored to local challenges.

The trainings covered pond construction, pond management, pond fertilisation, fish feed formulation, climate change adaptation, stocking rates, and predator control.

“Many farmers were already practicing fish farming but lacked technical knowledge. The trainings have helped them understand proper pond construction, feeding practices, and fish management techniques that can improve productivity,” he said.

Through activities implemented by Success for Community Action, about 412 fish farmers from 14 communities, including Lusambo and Kampemba, have been trained in Kawambwa District alone.

Mr Chongo said technologies such as partial harvesting are helping farmers access fish for household consumption and sale before the final harvest, improving both nutrition and income generation.

He added, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will continue promoting the knowledge and practices introduced through the project even after its completion.

“As a department, we are committed to continuing extension services and ensuring that more farmers benefit from these approaches,” he said.

One of the trained farmers, Michael Chisha, of Kampemba Village in Kawambwa district was grateful for the knowledge gained through the project, particularly on partial harvesting.

“As fish farmers, we were trained that partial harvesting can help us consume some fish through traps before the time of full harvest. This fish is important as a food source and provides nutrition for the family,” he said.

With growing interest in aquaculture across Luapula Province, stakeholders believe the Sustainable Aquatic Foods Project is laying a strong foundation for increased fish production, improved nutrition, and better livelihoods for rural communities.-NAIS