Lead organisation: Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)
Partners: Nkhotakota District Council
Location: Lower Bua river, Nkhotakota District, Central Region, Malawi
Duration: November 2023 – April 2024
Summary:
The Lower Bua river in Malawi is a breeding ground for rare fish species including the endemic lake salmon, Opsaridium microlepis. However, there has been an alarming decline in fish stocks in recent years. This is considered to be mainly due to overfishing and in 2022, through a consultative process, an Ecosystems-based management plan was developed to try to reverse the decline. The project provided support to the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) to assist stakeholders to design actions to implement the Ecosystem management plan. Ms Thokozire Gwaza Kwalira, an intern hired by LUANAR, helped to prepare and coordinate a launch event in Nkhotakota District. The grant provided an opportunity for her to strengthen her skills in participatory processes and project management.
The launch event was held on 26 April 2024 and brought together members of riverine village committees, fisherfolk, scientists, government officials and concerned citizens. Consultations were organised at which views and insights were obtained and management options reviewed. One of the specific actions discussed was the need to modify an irrigation weir which inhibits the migration of fish upstream during the breeding season. At the end of the event the chairperson of Nkhotakota District, Mr. Charles Chimzukuzuku, signed and formally launched the plan. LUANAR will continue to provide technical inputs and assist with monitoring progress in implementing the management plan. Read more.
