1 Introduction

Fish plays a crucial role in addressing various challenges in Malawi, including food insecurity, high
malnutrition rates in children, elevated poverty levels, and economic instability. The abundance of
freshwater in Malawi has leveraged the significance of fish to be equally faced by different
stakeholders in a similar fashion in the form of aquaculture or capture fisheries. Aquaculture has
cemented its role by taking advantage of the declining catches from the capture fisheries. As a result,
development partners, farmers, and other stakeholders have intensified fish farming to keep up the
role of fish in the country. However, it's noteworthy that aquaculture's contribution to supporting
capture fisheries remains relatively minimal. To illustrate this, aquaculture's total output constitutes
less than 1% of Malawi's overall fish production (Government of Malawi, 2022). Several factors,
encompassing technical, institutional, organizational, and market-related challenges, have adversely
impacted aquaculture production's performance in Malawi. Hence, the multifaceted approach to
address the above factors is paramount to improving aquaculture performance in Malawi.

However, improving aquaculture performance is associated with enhancing the commercial and
marketability of aquaculture products as remotely sparse small-scale farmers face difficulties in
maintaining their market share. The formation of farmer groups and organizations and coordinated
marketing is one way to overcome the problem of ‘smallness’ and supply produce to expanding
markets. Coordinating production and marketing in groups potentially reduces costs and helps to
generate sufficient quantities/volumes of supplies to maintain competitiveness in domestic markets.

Farmer organizations play a critical role in linking farmers with off-takers, fingerlings suppliers, feed
suppliers, and other essential resources. They also provide a platform where successful individual
farmers or organizations can assist others with various aquaculture techniques by offering materials
and technical expertise. Collective action by farmer organizations and cooperatives is essential for
achieving economies of scale, reducing expenses, and increasing bargaining power. Therefore,
imparting crucial agribusiness skills to fish farmer producer groups in areas such as financial
planning, financial management, record-keeping, farm management, marketing, post-harvest
handling and management, and fish health management is vital for improving their overall
performance.

Under the guidance of NIRAS and its partners, Viphya Chambo and Farm Capital, in the northern
region as part of the Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) project,
funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), a comprehensive training
program was conducted for three fish farming cooperatives in Mzimba and Nkhatabay districts in
northern Malawi. This program was designed to strengthen the role of locally organized fish farmer
groups and prepare them for the forthcoming commercialization approach. The training course
incorporated practical examples and experiential and participatory learning, fostering interactive
group activities. Each training course session had specific learning objectives related to knowledge,
understanding, and skills, enabling participants to track their progress throughout the program.

2 Objectives
The training aimed to provide technical support to Viphya Chambo and Palm Capital by building the
capacity of aquaculture producer groups in business management and post-harvest management in
Mzimba and Nkhatabay districts.

Specific objectives included the following:

1) To develop training materials for business management to be duly approved by CASA Malawi
 2) To assess the current aquaculture practices and challenges faced by the farmers in the areas
and provide training on important aquaculture practices such as fish stocking, feeding, and
predation among others.
3) To conduct training in business management covering issues of record keeping, business
planning, and financial management
4) To conduct training on post-harvest management covering issues such as fish disease
management, fish handling, preservation, and fish processing.

3 Methodology
3.1 Inception phase
The initiation phase of the training program involved carrying out different inception meetings with
CASA market manager, lead framers, and executive committees of Mapangira, Mpamba, and Kawaladzi
cooperatives. The findings were submitted to the marketing manager on 11 October 2023. The
inception phase provided a roadmap for the training needs and approaches of different groups. In
addition, it also provided a platform for analysing and fine-turning tools developed for the training to
suit the project objectives and meet the expectations of the targeted beneficiaries including the
identification of the relevant key stakeholders to be involved in the training. Consultations were also
conducted with Viphya Chambo, Palm Capital, and the fisheries department in Mzimba and Nkhatabay
districts to gain deeper insights into the groups and inform the planning process. Following the
inception and consultation meetings, a comprehensive inception report was prepared by the consultant.
This report incorporated insights and feedback received from both the client and the stakeholders
during the consultation meetings, ensuring a thorough and well-informed approach to the training
program.

3.2 Development of the training materials

A training manual on business and post-harvest management was developed and translated into
Chichewa for use during the trainings with fish farmers as attached in Annex 1. Among the key topics
contained in the training manual included a review of current aquaculture practices by the farmers; a
review of common challenges in fish farming; Do and Don’ts for high aquaculture productivity (common
mistakes during fish production and how to handle them); fish farming business planning; record
keeping and calculating profit from your fish farm; the fish farming calendar (for effective fish farming
business management); and fish post-harvest handling and processing.

3.3 Training delivery

The training program for fish farmer cooperatives, namely Mapanjira, Mpamba/Mwambazi, and
Kawaladzi, in Mzimba and Nkhatabay districts, spanned nine days from October 10th to October 19th,
2023. Specifically, Mapanjira and Kawaladzi each received two days of training, while the Mwambazi
cooperative underwent a three-day training session. Notably, during the training sessions, some hours
were allocated to representatives from Palm Capital, who were concurrently engaged in similar activities
targeting these same groups. A comprehensive program schedule for the training is provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Training schedule for the program

Training modules
Day 1 Time Day 2 Day 3
Mapanjira 1. Review of common challenges in fish Morning 1. Fish sampling and
and farming harvesting
Kawaladzi 2. Do and Don’ts for high aquaculture 2. Fish post-harvest handling
 productivity (common mistakes and and processing
how to handle them)  Handling fish after
3. The fish farming calendar harvest
 Preservation and
processing methods
4. Preparing for fish farming business Afternoon 1. Record keeping
 Sourcing high quality fingerlings 2. How to calculate profit
 Fish stocking from your fish farm
 Types of feeds
 Feed formulation and Production
 Fish feeding (homemade and
formulated feed)
 Fish health and management Feed
Formulation and

Mpamba 5. Review of common challenges in fish Morning 3. Fish sampling and  Record
farming harvesting keeping
6. Do and Don’ts for high aquaculture 4. Fish post-harvest handling How to
productivity (common mistakes and and processing calculate
how to handle them)  Handling fish after profit from
7. The fish farming calendar harvest your fish
 Preservation and farm
processing methods
8. Preparing for fish farming business Afternoon How to develop a business
 Sourcing high quality fingerlings plan
 Fish stocking
 Types of feeds
 Feed formulation and Production
 Fish feeding (homemade and
formulated feed)
 Fish health and management Feed
Formulation and

3.4 Training approach

The general approach to the training involved the following steps:

1) Assessing current practices in aquaculture production: This was conducted like a mini-survey
approach at the onset of trainings to assess the existing knowledge, skills, and practices, as well
as identify any gaps. This information was instrumental in tailoring the program to meet the
specific needs of the participants.
2) Participatory identification of mistakes, challenges, and opportunities in fish farming to help
improve practices in aquaculture production and delivery of extension activities.
3) Participatory identification of post-harvesting and business management practices for fish
farmers.
4) Conducting capacity-building sessions.

The methodology combined sensitization, lessons as well as both theoretical and practical exercises which
were done in groups.

To enhance learning, participants were provided with a comprehensive training booklet focused on fish
farming calendars. This booklet offered a practical approach to help farmers plan their activities
effectively, aiming to improve production and address issues related to demand and supply. Furthermore,
practical learning was further reinforced by providing participants with record-keeping booklets. These
booklets served as valuable tools for easy monitoring of expenses and sales, deepening participants'
comprehension of the financial dynamics between operational and investment activities. This hands-on
approach was essential in providing participants with real-world case studies that could be directly
applied to their own farms.

In order to foster inclusive participation, participants were encouraged to use their local languages, such
as Tumbuka in Mzimba and Tonga in Nkhatabay, when responding to questions, delivering presentations,
and engaging in case studies. This language choice was crucial in ensuring that all participants could
actively contribute and fully comprehend the training materials. The primary objectives of the training
were to achieve the following outcomes.

Participants improve knowledge of the best practices for aquaculture production to improve
production volume and profits.
Participants to gain and improve knowledge on record keeping and its importance on improving
aquaculture farm performance.
Participants to gain knowledge of developing a business plan
Participants to gain knowledge on the post-harvest approach in aquaculture and their role in
boosting aquaculture business.
Participants understand fish health, especially Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) and its
management approaches

4 Outcomes of the assignment (main deliverables)

The section below details the main outcome of the capacity development exercise with fish farmers in
Mzimba and Nkhatabay in the northern region of Malawi.

4.1 Training needs assessment on current practices and knowledge in aquaculture

production
The provided information offers insights into the conditions and practices of the three fish
farming cooperatives. The cooperatives were assessed for a comprehensive understanding of
different aspects of fish farming practices, including pond characteristics, stocking, record-
keeping, fertilization, and post-harvest management which have been summarized below;

4.1.1 Mapanjira cooperative

Located in Traditional Authority Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa in Mzimba, the group has 52
members from Luviri, Mzimba Boma, and Mapanjira, however, only 48 participants attended
the training session. The group was trained on 10 th and 11th October 2023 at Mapanjira farm in
Mzimba.

[Link] Pond characteristics

The group has 31 new ponds, each with an area of 400 square meters, except for one pond,
which measures 1200 square meters. These ponds were constructed using the grant they
obtained from AGCOM, a noteworthy milestone for this newly established cooperative in
Mzimba district. This new addition supplements the 14 existing old ponds, which averaged
around 200 square meters in size. However, they cannot differentiate between fish species in
these ponds.
[Link] Farm Equipment and farm records
The group disclosed that their available farm equipment is limited to hoes and slashers. They
also mentioned that they lack weighing scales and nets, with the exception of two members
who have small fishing nets used for catching fish species. Notably, none of the farmers
maintain records, including those pertaining to the ongoing pond construction activities, which
are managed by contractors.

[Link] Pond fertilization and liming

The farmers expressed their lack of knowledge regarding the fertilization and liming of fish
ponds. However, they promptly mentioned that the fisheries department of Mzimba district
has organized training on pond fertilization and liming, scheduled to take place within two
weeks from the training day.

[Link] Fish stocking and feeding

The participants had limited knowledge about the fish stocking rate, however, they were just
informed by the extension worker that their 400 square meter pond will require 2000
fingerlings, equivalent to a stocking density of 5 fish per square meter. These fingerlings will be
procured from Viphya Chambo. Importantly, the distribution of fish seeds will occur once pond
construction is completed, and the fish will be stocked in phases. All of the ponds will be
stocked with Oreochromis shiranus fingerlings. Notably, farmers with older ponds have been
advised to undertake pond draining and cleaning, as many of these ponds have accommodated
fish for over five years without undertaking regular sampling and harvesting practices. The
farmers used to feed fish using maize bran.

[Link] Post-Harvest Management Plans

The group has not established any post-harvest management plans, particularly in terms of
ensuring hygiene, preservation, or value addition.

In summary, the group is in the early stages of establishing their fish farming venture, with new
ponds, planned stocking, and a need to develop various aspects of their farming practices,
including record-keeping, fertilization, and post-harvest management.
Table 2: Current status of Mpanjira cooperative in Mzimba

Characteristics Description
Depth of ponds The group has ponds with 1 metre depth
Mapanjira cooperative
Have 31 new ponds of 400sqm each except
Sizes of ponds 1 pond which is 1200sqm
Available farm equipment No farm equipment in stock except hoes
Currently not keeping records and pond
Availability of daily farm records construction being done by contractors
Are the ponds fertilised Not yet
Was lime applied before stocking Not yet
Stocking date Not stocked
What is the stocking density (if stocked) to be stocked at 5 fish per square metre
 Stocking age (if 7 – 10 grams was followed) and if records
were kept Not known
Source of fingerlings Viphya Chambo
Stocking date Not known
Type of fish (species) Shiranus to be stocked
Sampling frequency Not known
Harvesting plans None
Post-harvest management plans in place (readiness in
ensuring hygiene, preservation and value addition None
The group is now a registered cooperative, has 14 old
ponds, cant differentiate fish species

4.1.2 Mwambazi/Mpamba cooperative

Mpamba/Mwambadzi cooperative is located in Traditional Authority Timbiri around the
Mpamba-Chikwina area in Nkhatabay district. The training session was attended by 23
participants who came from four different clubs Likalazi, Banthuwa, Kasaka and Mwambadzi.
Among the participants, 34% were female and 20% were youths. The training was conducted at
Mfulanchenga farm around Mpamba in Nkhatabay.

[Link] Pond characteristics

From the total number of 60 members of the Mwambazi cooperative, there are 210 individual
ponds. The majority of ponds are approximately 200 square meters in size.

[Link] Available Farm Equipment:

The majority of farmers lack essential equipment, particularly for their daily farm operations.
Out of 23 participants, eleven farmers present at the training indicated that they maintain
records, and these records were presented for review. It was observed that farmers have
limited knowledge when it comes to calculating seasonal-based profits at the farm, as they also
incorporate asset costs into their profit calculations.

[Link] Pond Fertilization and liming

The participants mentioned that they fertilize their ponds by using a combination of both
manure and fertilizer. It was emphasized that they utilize various types of manure, including
that from cattle, pigs, and chickens. Furthermore, they apply lime to the ponds before stocking
in the form of ash. However, it was noted that only a few of them have a limited understanding
of the exact quantities required for application.

[Link] Stocking rate and feeding

The majority of farmers are well-acquainted with the fish farming calendar. They shared that
they follow different stocking dates with the aim of harvesting fish during the cold season and
also in December to boost sales. However, it was observed that many farmers lack the capacity
to achieve the desired stocking size, as they have only stocked 500 fish seeds out of the
required 1000-1200 fingerlings in their ponds. Additionally, many farmers have been raising fish
for over five years and tend to purchase fingerlings from non-certified hatchery producers. On a
positive note, some acquire fingerlings from Mr. Fulanchenga, who is a certified fingerling
producer.

The stocked fish species primarily include Copton rendali, Oreochromis shiranus, and Clarias
gariepinus. Sampling practices vary, with a few members conducting fish sampling once every
two months and others doing so every three months. However, a significant portion of the
farmers do not engage in fish sampling. In terms of feeding practices, the stocked fish are
primarily fed maize bran, cassava leaves, and other types of leaves. Some farmers reported
providing their fish with daily feeds of 20 kg, 10 kg, and 5 kg of maize bran, while only two
farmers indicated that they use floating feeds for feeding.

[Link] Harvesting plans and post harvest management

Harvesting of fish is coordinated by the cooperative as the identify the market. It was reported
that farmers inform the cooperative the intention to harvest fish and the cooperative allocated
the date of harvesting based on liason with the market. However, the farmers don’t follow
post-harvest management practices such as icing, freezing and fish processing in exceptional to
lead farmer who smoke catfish after harvest.
Table 3: Current status of Mwambazi cooperative

Depth of ponds The group has a membership of 60 people and have 210 ponds in total for
all members. All are individual ponds
Sizes of ponds Most ponds are of the sizes 200 sqm
Available farm equipment Most farmers do not have the relevant materials especially for daily farm
operations
Availability of daily farm Few members have farm records
records
Are the ponds fertilised Ponds fertilised using manure and fertiliser

Was lime applied before Lime was applied

stocking
Stocking date Most ponds were stocked on 10th July, not minding the aqua calendar

What is the stocking density Most ponds have been stocked with 2-5 fish per square metre
(if stocked)
Stocking age (if 7 – 10 grams
was followed) and if records
were kept
Source of fingerlings From a certified fingerling producer

Type of fish (species) Shiranus and Rendalli

Sampling frequency A few are sampling once in 2 months others once in 3 months while most
of them are not doing fish sampling

Harvesting plans Majority is not sure when to harvest, probably when need arises or once
they hear something from the cooperatives.
Post-harvest management Nothing is done aside weighing and selling
plans in place (readiness in
ensuring hygiene,
preservation and value
addition
Most members feeding their fish with maize bran and using wrong feeding rate except the lead farmer.
They are aware of risks associated with fish farming for example diseases.

4.1.3 Kawaladzi cooperative

This is the second fish farming cooperative in Nkhatabay district which is under Viphya Chambo
for the CASA project. This cooperative brings together four distinct satellite groups from
Mzenga, Masa, Chadonga, and Lichenga. It was the last group to be trained from 17 th to 18th
October 2023. In total, the training was attended by 24 participants, among whom 40.6% were
female, and 20.6% were youths.

[Link] Pond characteristics

15 people attended the training from Lichenga group which had 25 ponds, with an average size
of 300 square meters and a depth of 2.5 meters. In addition, the 5 people from Mansa
indicated that 8 ponds are in operation while the whole group has 30 ponds with an average
size of 400 square meters. Furthermore, Chadongo group has 22 ponds owned by 12
individuals. These ponds have an average depth ranging from 1 to 2 meters and an average size
of 200 square meters. Finally, the 5 members in attendance from Mzenga collectively own 8
ponds, each with an average size of 400 square meters.

[Link] Available Farm Equipment:

All the groups indicated that they have hoes, slashers, and shovels as the key fish farming
materials. A few farmers expressed that they had fishing nets and none of the farmers had
weighing scales.

[Link] Availability of Daily Farm Records

Only three farmers indicated that they keep farm records, while the rest have recently
constructed and maintained ponds that are not yet stocked. To those keeping records, it was
observed that they calculate the annual profit by including costs for buying assets such as cost
of pond construction, the cost for buying hoes and slashers among others.

[Link] Ponds fertilization and liming

A few ponds have been fertilized using a combination of manure and fertilizer. On the other
hand, the participants indicated that they use ash as lime to treat their new ponds. Some
vindicated that they use leftovers of lime used in houses to apply to their ponds. However,
none of the participants knew the quantity of lime used for new ponds and old ponds.

[Link] Fish stocking and feeding

The participants mentioned that they have stocked Copton rendalli and Oreochromis shiranus,
both of which were supplied by Find Your Feet in 2018. Interestingly, the farmers lacked
knowledge regarding the stocking density and the specific size of the fingerlings used.
Additionally, they did not undertake any sampling to monitor the growth rates of the fish.
While a few farmers have recently acquired fingerlings from certified fingerling producers, the
majority of farmers have not yet initiated the stocking process. Regrettably, the absence of
regular sampling has limited their ability to adjust feeding practices effectively. Consequently,
they typically provide fish with maize bran, cassava leaves, and Nsima in varying quantities.

Post-Harvest Management Plans:

Prior to CASA and Viphya engagement, the farmers kept fish in their ponds for over five years
without harvesting. The farmers also don’t have post-harvest management plans in place to
ensure hygiene, preservation, or value addition of fish species.
Table 4: Understanding Kawaladzi Cooperative

Depth of ponds The Lichenga group has a total of 25 ponds of average

size 300sqm and 2.5m in depth, Mansa has 30 ponds
of average size 400sqm while Chadongo has 22 ponds
belonging to 12 people with average depths of 1-2
metres and average sizes of 200sqm. Mzenga has 5
members with 8 ponds with an average size of
400sqm

Sizes of ponds Most ponds are of the sizes 400 sqm

Available farm equipment Most farmers do not have the relevant materials
especially for daily farm operations except makasu.
Availability of daily farm records Very few members have farm records but the rest
have newly constructed and newly maintained ponds
that are not stocked.
Are the ponds fertilised A few ponds fertilised using manure and fertiliser and
have been stocked with Rendalli and Shiranus
Was lime applied before stocking Lime was applied
Stocking date Do not know the stocking date
What is the stocking density (if stocked) Could not tell the stocking rate
Stocking age (if 7 – 10 grams was followed) Can not tell because fish is not weighed when buying
and if records were kept
Source of fingerlings A few got from a certified fingerling producer but
most farmers have not yet stocked
Type of fish (species) Shiranus and Rendalli
Sampling frequency No sampling is done
Harvesting plans Majority is not sure when they will harvest, some
recently harvested so they can get new seed
Post-harvest management plans in place Nothing is done aside weighing and selling
(readiness in ensuring hygiene, preservation
and value addition
Feeding Using maize bran, manure, chiswa and vegetables
twice a day
4.2 Training in practices of aquaculture production, business management, and post
harvest management
Based on the results of the needs assessment conducted, training was delivered to address the
specific gaps within each cooperative. The training content has been summarized below.

4.2.1 Aquaculture practices

[Link] Mapanjira cooperative
Participants received comprehensive training on various aspects of fish farming, including the fish
farming calendar, fish stocking, fish sampling, fish feeding, feed conversion ratio, and fish predation.
Additionally, partial knowledge was imparted on pond construction and the significance of pond
fertilization and liming. However, in-depth training on pond fertilization and liming was deferred to
the fisheries department, who were informed that they would conduct similar training, accompanied
by practical demonstrations in the next two weeks.

Notably, participants actively engaged in and made meaningful contributions to the training sessions.
To enhance their understanding of the training content, the farmers were initially taken to a practical
demonstration at newly constructed ponds, where the trainer illustrated the procedures for fish
stocking and feeding. This was followed by a visit to a different farmer (Mr. Nyankhoswe) the next
day, allowing participants to identify both areas for improvement and successful practices based on
the training content delivered on the first day.

During our field visit, farmers indicated that.

“We are well pleased and fortunate as a Mapanjira, a new cooperative in fish farming. We are
capacitated in the right way which will help us to minimize mistakes in fish farming for improved
profits. These field visits have been instrumental to us. Mr. Nkhonjera and other farmers previously
engaged in fish farming further alluded that they previously underestimated the significance of
regularly sampling and properly stocking fish. My prior belief was that as long as I calculated the
pond area, the fish would naturally multiply, even with a small number of initial fish. This assumption
was based on observing small fingerlings, especially during the rainy season, which led me to believe
that my fish were reproducing spontaneously. Furthermore, I used to feed them occasionally,
primarily with maize bran, without using the right feed and feeding approach including the
importance of pond fertilization. The training and practical demonstrations have provided us with
invaluable insights and knowledge.”

[Link] Mwambadzi cooperative

It was observed that approximately 75% of the participants had previously received similar training
through the AVCP project under the GIZ initiative. As a result, these farmers had a foundational
understanding of various aquaculture practices. However, despite their knowledge, they were not
actively applying most of what they had learned. Understanding that the training approach was
initially tailored to explore the reasons behind their limited implementation of acquired knowledge
and the challenges they encountered. The participants ranked the following as key challenges that
hinder their capacity in fish farming:
 Lack of storage
utensils i.e.,
Limited land cooler box and
available for fridge
Predators and aquaculture
thieves
Limited capital
for feed and
Climate change pond expansion
leading to low
Feed sources water levels
are far from the and flooding
area

These challenges were thoroughly discussed with the group members, and it was unanimously
agreed that these obstacles could be mitigated by treating fish farming as a business venture and
actively engaging in commercial activities.

In addition to these discussions, the farmers received comprehensive training on various aspects of
fish farming, including fish stocking, fish sampling, fish feeding, and predation as it was noted they
had limited knowledge of these concepts. In response, Mr. Malingamoyo emphasized that,

"Yes, our limited progress in fish farming can be attributed to our failure to implement what we
learned under the GIZ project. However, we acknowledge the importance of key concepts such as fish
stocking, sampling, feeding, and managing predation. For instance, in Banthuwa, we used to share
fingerlings among ourselves that were provided by World Vision in 2018, and we were feeding fish
with maize bran. Moreover, apart from the lead farmer, none of us from Banthuwa, including the
other four groups have a weighing scale to facilitate fish sampling and accurate feed measurement,
which clearly indicates our lack of preparedness. To demonstrate my commitment, you will find me
with a small weighing scale for fish sampling during your next visit, which I plan to purchase in
Mzuzu. I will also source fingerlings for my cleaned ponds from Mr. Fulanchenga, a certified
fingerlings producer."

[Link] Kawaladzi cooperative

Many farmers have drained their ponds in preparation for stocking them with fingerlings from Mr.
Super Mhone. Therefore, the training sessions focused on key concepts, including fish stocking, pond
fertilization, liming, feeding practices, and predation management. During the training, farmers were
educated on various aspects, such as the recommended stocking density of 5 to 6 fish per square
meter, the importance of regularly sampling fish (at least once a month), and the proper application
of lime, with quantities ranging from 150g-200g per square meter for new ponds and 15g-20g for
older ponds. It was emphasized that when using ash as a liming agent, the quantities should be
increased. Agricultural lime was highlighted as the suitable type of lime for pond liming. Additionally,
the training stressed the significance of feeding fish within the range of 3% to 5% of their body
weight, a value calculated by multiplying the average weight of the fish by the total number of fish in
a pond. The farmers expressed that “The transition toward commercializing fish farming has been
instrumental in equipping us with invaluable skills that encompass best practices in fish farming.

One woman from the Masa group shared her experience, stating, "I used to prepare Mgaiwa for
feeding my fish without a clear understanding of the feeding rate. I also used a hook for fish
sampling. With the knowledge gained from these training sessions, I am committed to enhancing my
methods in fish farming, ultimately aiming to improve the well-being of the fish species."

4.3 Training in business management

To ensure comprehensive capacity development in business management, participants underwent
training in record keeping and the formulation of a business plan. In the context of record keeping,
participants were provided with printed record books to facilitate active engagement through
practical demonstrations and the documentation of records.

The training encompassed the proper recording of expenses related to assets and daily operational
costs, particularly those associated with fish feeding. Furthermore, participants were instructed on
the importance of distinguishing expenses and incomes within their operational records, which are
subsequently used to calculate annual profits for the farm. It was clarified that these calculations
should exclude expenses related to assets such as pond construction, the purchase of farming tools,
and other similar assets.

The knowledge shared during this training was met with high appreciation by the attendees. Notably,
farmers from the Mwambadzi and Kawaladzi cooperatives acknowledged that they had previously
been keeping their records incorrectly. The trainer observed that these farmers had been including
farm assets when calculating farm profits, and in cases of losses, they had erroneously recorded a
zero instead of accurately reflecting the total loss.

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Conversely, the participants received theoretical guidance on the formulation of a business plan for
their fish farming ventures. This theoretical instruction was followed by a practical exercise in which
the farmers were organized into groups and tasked with creating and presenting their business plans.

In addition to the group efforts, each individual participant was required to develop a personal
business plan, which would subsequently be evaluated by the consultant during the coaching
sessions. It's worth noting that the farmers from the Mapanjira cooperative did not receive specific
training on business plans, as they had recently undergone training and certification by the Ministry
of Trade. However, there was a consensus that the consultant would review and refine their business
plan during the forthcoming coaching sessions.

Following the completion of the business plans, participants were tasked with crafting an action plan
outlining the strategies they would employ to realize the vision and missions articulated in their
business plans. This action plan also encompassed the practical steps for implementing the
knowledge and concepts acquired during the training sessions.

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4.4 Training on fish health and post-harvest management

All the cooperatives received training on the identification of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS)
disease, which has affected the aquaculture sector in Malawi, particularly in the central region, since
2021. The training effectively covered key signs and symptoms, such as raised scales, skin lesions,
skin ulcers, and inflammation, providing participants with a clear understanding of the disease.
Additionally, participants were trained on mitigation measures and treatment strategies for EUS.

In response to the training, it was noted that none of the farmers had previously recorded any
occurrences of the disease on their farms or experienced fish mortality due to EUS. However, the
farmers recognized the importance of annual pond draining, cleaning, and liming as a preventive
measure to mitigate potential threats associated with fish diseases.

Furthermore, the Mwambadzi and Kawaladzi cooperatives received capacity-building on best

practices for fish harvesting and handling to enhance the hygiene and quality of harvested fish. The
training covered essential aspects such as draining fish ponds, employing seine nets for harvesting,
cleaning fish with clean water, icing, and freezing, all of which are critical for improving the hygiene
of the harvested fish species. Farmers were also trained on proper techniques for icing and freezing
fish, including the recommended ice-to-fish ratio, which ensures effective preservation. For example,
it was emphasized that when icing fish, one kilogram of ice should be used for every one kilogram of
fish. During the training, it was observed that all the farmers do not typically preserve their fish using
ice or freezing, as they often have immediate markets within their community, including government
staff.

Moreover, the farmers received training on various fish processing methods that add value to the
harvested fish species, including fish drying, smoking, and frying. Modern techniques such as solar
drying for fish drying and smoking kilns for fish smoking were briefed to the participants. Participants
from the Mwambadzi cooperative readily recognized the technology, as they mentioned having a
solar dryer in their community used for drying fruits and ginger. They also indicated the presence of a
smoking kiln constructed by the IFFTN under the AVCP-GIZ project. Additionally, Mr. Fulanchenga
mentioned having a conventional smoking kiln, which he uses for smoking catfish species. This
method is preferred by many customers and commands a higher selling price compared to fresh
catfish.

In contrast, the Mapanjira cooperative will receive training in post-harvest management through
coaching sessions. This decision was made due to the fact that many of the participants in this group
are new farmers with limited prior knowledge of fish farming. Therefore, it is necessary to deliver
these concepts through practical demonstrations to enhance their learning experience.

5 Training limitations and challenges

The training was effectively executed, however, it encountered a few challenges and limitations like

 Discrepancies in the allocation of transportation assistance were observed among members

of the Mapanjira cooperatives, with reports indicating that certain individuals received lower
amount of transport, affecting their ability to reach their homes.
 The Department of Fisheries in Nkhatabay expressed a lack of awareness regarding the CASA
project and its training activities in Nkhatabay. This lack of awareness could potentially
impact future project operations.
 Some participants who had received prior training at the Mwambadzi cooperative were not
available for the current training sessions. This availability issue may have implications for
the effectiveness of future training programs if a significant number of participants continue
to withdraw from the group.
  The training session at Kawaladzi saw a higher attendance than originally planned, with one
group contributing more than half of the expected participants. This influx of attendees had
an impact on training effectiveness, as many of them were not actively engaged in fish
farming and had limited knowledge in the field.

6 Lessons learned
 The farmers learn best through practical illustration and demonstration

7 Conclusions
The timing of the training coincided with the fish farming calendar, a period when farmers typically
prepare their ponds, clean them, and make them ready for stocking as the rainy season commences.
Consequently, the training effectively addressed critical factors that are instrumental in enhancing
productivity as farmers embark on their commercial partnership with Viphya Chambo. During the
training, farmers acquired valuable insights into best aquaculture practices that play a pivotal role in
elevating the performance and productivity of their farms. Additionally, participants took time to
reflect on past mistakes and expressed their readiness to start afresh, aiming for improved
aquaculture performance. Moreover, the training sessions equipped participants with essential farm
management techniques, encompassing areas such as record keeping, business planning, fish health
management, and post-harvest management. These competencies are vital for the effective
management of their farming activities. The program's incorporation of coaching sessions holds
significance as it serves the dual purpose of monitoring the implementation of the knowledge
acquired and empowering farmers to address specific issues that may require special attention in
their farming endeavors.

8 Recommendations
It vital to recommend that

 It is essential for CASA and Viphya Chambo to arrange a meeting with the Department of
Fisheries in Nkhatabay to inform them of the project's activities and interventions, as it may
have implications for future programs and interventions related to the project.