By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, March 21, Mana: Programs Manager for Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi (REFRESH) project under TechnoSave, Felistus Sibweza, has advised fishing communities in Nkhata Bay to create multiple sources of income to reduce pressure on Lake Malawi’s dwindling fish population.

Speaking on Tuesday during a Conservation Enterprise Market and Food Fair in the district, Sibweza said over-reliance on the lake for income by fishing communities has caused depletion of some valuable fish species.

“We are encouraging fishing communities to venture into other income generating activities, such as apiculture and mushroom production to ease pressure and help conserve fish species in Lake Malawi and other natural resources surrounding it,” she said.

District Fisheries Officer for NKhata Bay, Dellings Kamenya, said due to over-dependence on Lake Malawi as the sole source of fish, annual harvest for highly valued chambo fish is declining.

In his remarks, Director of Planning and Development for Nkhata Bay, Edgar Chihana, said diversifying their sources of income would also help fishers earn income when fishing is closed during fish breeding season.

"The council is also engaging with its development partners to establish fish ponds for aquaculture to upscale fish supply and to ensure that the district does not only rely on single source for fish," Chihana added.

Chairperson for Makuzi Beach Village Committee, Lester Wakana, said communities are geared to embrace REFRESH project, as it presents a lifeline for fishers who strive to make ends meet during closed seasons.

REFRESH is a five-year project that started in 2019 and is being implemented by PACT Malawi with funding from US Agency for International Development.