Aquaculture Enterprise Malawi-UMODZI Consulting

20/10/2025

Story of Stanley Njoloma: Building a Climate-Smart Future in Aquaculture

In the heart of Mulanje District, under Traditional Authority Chikumbu, lies the vibrant village of Sulumba — home to a determined fish farmer named Stanley Njoloma. Recently selected as a hatchery operator under the Sustainable Aquatic Food (SAF) Project, Stanley is among a new generation of farmers benefiting from the initiative implemented by GIZ in collaboration with Aquaculture Enterprise Limited (AEL).

Before joining the project, Stanley’s fish farming efforts were often disrupted by floods and pond overflows caused by heavy rains. The unpredictable weather patterns, a clear sign of climate change, made it difficult to maintain stable production. His breakthrough came when he attended a Climate-Smart Aquaculture Training facilitated by AEL, where he learned practical strategies for making fish farming more resilient.

The training introduced him to pond reinforcement, water management, integrated farming systems, and climate adaptation techniques. Determined to apply what he learned, Stanley began constructing a secure fence around his three ponds and raising the pond d***s to minimize the risk of overflow and flooding.

To strengthen his hatchery business, AEL provided him with crucial start-up materials, including oxygen gas cylinders, hapa nets, feed, harvesting nets, and other hatchery equipment. These items have helped him improve fingerling production, maintain water quality, and expand his fish farming operations.

Beyond fish, Stanley has taken a step further by integrating maize, tomatoes, and bananas with his aquaculture activities. This integrated approach allows him to reuse nutrient-rich pond water for irrigating crops, improving soil fertility while ensuring year-round income and food security. The system reflects the very essence of climate-smart farming — efficient, sustainable, and adaptive.

Sharing his experience, Stanley said:

“Before the SAF Project, floods used to destroy my ponds and I would lose everything. After the training, I learned how to protect my ponds and also how to combine fish farming with crops like maize, tomatoes, and bananas. The support from AEL has completely transformed my approach — now my farm is more productive, and I can support my family throughout the year.”

Today, Stanley stands as a model farmer in his community. His integrated and climate-smart fish farming system demonstrates how innovation and the right support can turn challenges into opportunities. Through the SAF Project, he is not only improving his own livelihood but also inspiring other farmers in Mulanje to embrace sustainable aquaculture and agriculture practices for a resilient future.

09/10/2025

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Field Officer
Organization: Aquaculture Enterprise Limited (AEL)
Area of Operation: Zomba, Phalombe and Mulanje District
Application Deadline: 22nd October 2025

About Aquaculture Enterprise Limited (AEL)

Aquaculture Enterprise Limited (AEL) is a private sector-led organization implementing the Sustainable Aquatic Food (SAF) Project, which aims to promote sustainable aquaculture development, improve livelihoods, and enhance food and nutrition security among small-scale fish farmers in Malawi.

Position Summary

AEL is seeking a qualified and motivated Field Officer to support project implementation activities in the districts of Zomba, Phalombe, and Mulanje. The Field Officer will work closely with farmers, hatchery operators, and district stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of aquaculture extension services and the achievement of project goals.

Key Responsibilities:
• Support fish farmers in pond management, feeding, water quality monitoring, and record keeping.
• Facilitate training and coaching sessions for farmers and hatchery operators.
• Conduct regular field visits and collect data for monitoring and evaluation.
• Coordinate with District Fisheries Officers, extension staff, and other partners.
• Prepare and submit timely field activity and progress reports.
Qualifications and Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science or a related field.
• Practical experience in aquaculture systems and farmer support will be an added advantage.
• Strong communication and community mobilization skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to reside in the project area (Zomba, Phalombe, or Mulanje).

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
1. Cover Letter
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Relevant Academic and Professional Certificates

All applications should be sent by 22nd October 2025 to:

The Human Resources Officer
Aquaculture Enterprise Limited (AEL)
P.O. Box 3543
Blantyre

Email: [email protected]

Please indicate “Field Officer Application” in the subject line.

OR

By Hand Delivery at:

Aquaculture Enterprise Malawi (AEL), 2 Kufa Road, Mandala, Blantyre, Malawi

Please indicate “Field Officer Application” on the envelope.

Note:
Aquaculture Enterprise Limited is an equal opportunity employer, and ladies are strongly encouraged to apply.

02/10/2025

Building Skills for a Sustainable Aquaculture Future

Aquaculture Enterprise Limited (AEL), under the Sustainable Aquatic Foods (SAF) Project, successfully facilitated a Hatchery Operator Training at Domasi Aquaculture Centre.

This intensive three-day training equipped hatchery operators with essential knowledge and hands-on skills in:
✅ Hatchery designs & climate-smart operations
✅ Broodstock selection, spawning, and fingerling production
✅ Fish health, biosecurity, and disease management
✅ Record-keeping, costing, and marketing strategies

Through practical sessions, including hatchery tours, broodstock handling, water quality testing, and biosecurity demonstrations, participants gained valuable experience to improve fingerling production and hatchery management.

District Fisheries Officers who accompanied their new hatchery operators shared their reflections:

McLoud Chimbizi, Neno DFO: “This training is a turning point for our new hatchery operators in Neno. With the skills gained in climate-smart hatchery management and fingerling production, we expect to see stronger fish farming businesses that can sustain households and boost local fish supply.”

Grace Chanza, Mwanza DFO: “Fingerling availability has always been a challenge in our district. By building the capacity of hatchery operators, the SAF Project is directly addressing this gap and empowering our farmers to be more self-reliant and productive.”

Kettie Phiri, Mulanje DFO: “What stands out in this training is the balance between theory and practical demonstrations. Our new hatchery operators now have both the knowledge and hands-on experience to run viable hatcheries, which will improve farmer access to quality seed and contribute to better livelihoods.”

The SAF Project, implemented by AEL across eight districts in Southern Malawi, is committed to:
🌱 Strengthening aquaculture value chains
🌱 Enhancing food & nutrition security
🌱 Promoting climate-smart technologies
🌱 Empowering women and youth in aquaculture

The trainings are implemented with support from GIZ through the Sustainable Aquatic Food for Transformed Agri-food Systems in Malawi (SAF) program and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). SAF Malawi is part of the GIZ Global Programme Sustainable Aquatic Food that supports participation of small-scale producers and political partners in the development of sustainable practices and policies in aquaculture.

We are ensuring that smallholder fish farmers have reliable access to quality fingerlings by investing in hatchery operators— a critical step in building a more resilient and commercially viable aquaculture sector in Malawi.

We thank all participants, trainers, and partners who made this training a success!

22/09/2025

Empowering New Hatchery Operators under the SAF Project

New fish hatchery operators in Neno have received vital inputs including fish feed in addition to the brooders they earlier received from Aquaculture Enterprise Limited (AEL) under the Sustainable Aquatic Food (SAF) Project, which is implemented by GIZ.

During the handover ceremony, Mr. Kavalo, one of the hatchery operators, expressed gratitude for the support:
"This support has come at the right time. With the brooders and feed, we are now better equipped to produce quality fingerlings for farmers in our communities. This will ensure the continued growth of fish farming and improved livelihoods."

Speaking at the same event, the District Fisheries Officer, Mr. McLoud Chimbizi, commended the initiative and reaffirmed private sector an government’s commitment to aquaculture development:
"We believe that empowering hatchery operators with the right inputs is key to ensuring a sustainable supply of fish seed. This will directly contribute to improved fish production, food security, and income generation in the district and beyond."

This intervention marks a significant step towards strengthening the aquaculture sector, improving fingerling supply, and supporting smallholder farmers in Malawi.

04/09/2025

Maurice’s Journey - From a Village Youth to a Hatchery Operator

In Eneko Village, Thambani EPA, Mwanza, a young man named Maurice Mtimaulitanji is showing what determination and vision can achieve.

Back in 2018, Maurice joined a youth fish farming club with a simple dream: to raise fish and create a better future. With time, passion, and resilience, he learned the skills of aquaculture and never gave up, even when challenges seemed bigger than the opportunities.

By 2024, his persistence paid off. Maurice constructed two ponds, one 200 m² and the other 240 m², proving that young people can build something meaningful with limited resources but strong willpower.

Now, through the Sustainable Aquatic Foods (SAF) Project, implemented by Aquaculture Enterprise Limited with funding from GIZ, Maurice has taken the next big step. He has been provided with Oreochromis shiranus and Coptodon rendalli brooders to start his own hatchery. These brooders are more than just fish—they are a foundation for growth, a chance for Maurice to supply fingerlings to other farmers and uplift his entire community.

Speaking after receiving the brooders, Maurice said:
“This support gives me hope and confidence. My dream is not only to raise fish for myself, but also to help other farmers in Mwanza access quality fingerlings so that together we can grow aquaculture in our area.”

Maurice’s journey is a story of hope, youth empowerment, and the power of opportunity. His hatchery will not only support his livelihood but also strengthen fish farming in Mwanza District, contributing to food security and inspiring other young Malawians to follow the same path.

We celebrate Maurice’s success and look forward to seeing the ripples of change he will create.

29/08/2025

Umodzi Consulting

Aquaculture Enterprise Limited has embarked on a Sustainable Aquatic Foods (SAF) project which aims at training fish farmers for sustainable acquatic foods to transform agriculture and food systems in Zomba district.

Project Coordinator, Chifuniro Nowa, made the disclosure during presentation of the project at the District Executive Council meeting (DEC) in Zomba.

Nowa expressed optimism that the training will help fish farmers to acquire new skills for adequate fish production

Director of Planning and Development for Zomba District Council, Precious Kansitsi, expressed optimism that the project will strengthen the capacity of small scale producers of acquatic foods for a balanced diet in the homes.

The project is funded by The German Federal Ministry for Development and Economic Cooperation (BMZ ) and German Development Cooperation (GIZ)

By Chawezi Tembo, Zomba

09/07/2025

In an exciting development for local aquaculture, Aquaculture Enterprise Limited has officially received a motorbike and various other essential items from GIZ, marking a significant milestone in the Sustainable Aquatic Foods Project (SAF). This initiative is poised to greatly enhance the organization's capacity to implement project activities across eight southern districts in Malawi: Blantyre, Zomba, Mulanje, Thyolo, Mwanza, Neno, Phalombe, and Chiradzulu.

The new motorbike is set to transform the outreach efforts of the team, enabling direct engagement with local communities. This will facilitate essential training sessions and promote sustainable aquaculture practices more effectively. The aim is to empower local fish farmers, improve food security, and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

Project Coordinator for Aquaculture Enterprise Limited expressed heartfelt gratitude to GIZ, stating, "We are immensely thankful for the motorbike and all the assorted items provided. These resources are crucial for effectively implementing our project and reaching those in need. GIZ's support significantly enhances our capacity to make a real difference in the community."

Aquaculture Enterprise Limited emphasized that this collaboration represents a pivotal step toward building a robust aquaculture industry that benefits both the local population and the environment. Together, the organizations are dedicated to fostering a more sustainable future for the communities of Malawi.

28/03/2025

Aquaculture Enterprise Limited at the SAF Project Validation Workshop

Aquaculture Enterprise Limited is proud to have participated in the GIZ Sustainable Aquatic Foods (SAF) Project Validation Workshop on Friday, 28th March 2025, in Mzuzu.

This important gathering brought together key stakeholders to review and validate project findings, ensuring that sustainable aquaculture solutions align with local needs and industry best practices. We remain committed to fostering responsible fish farming and enhancing food security in Malawi.

A big thank you to GIZ and all partners for their collaboration and dedication to a sustainable aquatic future!

27/02/2025

Empowering Local Fish Farmers through Climate-Smart Aquaculture in Neno!

This week, fifh farmers took the lead in Climate-Smart Aquaculture training under Neno EPA in Neno district, sharing their insights on how aquaculture plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. The hands-on sessions focused on constructing demo ponds using sustainable strategies that enhance resilience against climate impacts.

Facilitated by Aquaculture Enterprise Limited under the Sustainable Aquatic Foods (SAF) project, implemented by GIZ, this training is a step forward in building climate-smart solutions that secure livelihoods and protect aquatic ecosystems.

20/02/2025

From Crops to Fish: Lekisiyo Julius and Fellow Farmers Embrace Aquaculture in Neno!

Meet Lekisiyo Julius, one of the dedicated field crop farmers in Neno who is now taking on a new journey—fish farming! With motivation from the Sustainable Aquatic Foods (SAF) project, implemented by GIZ, Lekisiyo and other farmers are constructing fish ponds as they transition into aquaculture to boost food security and income generation.

Aquaculture Enterprise Limited is on the ground facilitating farmer identification and delivering practical training to equip these new fish farmers with essential skills. This initiative is a game-changer, ensuring sustainable food production and economic empowerment for local communities.

Watch this space as Lekisiyo Julius and his fellow farmers make waves in the aquaculture industry!

18/02/2025

Fish Farmer Training in Mwanza on Climate-Smart Aquaculture

Aquaculture farmers in Mwanza are actively engaging in discussions on the vital role of aquaculture in addressing climate change. Through group presentations and interactive sessions, farmers are sharing insights on sustainable fish farming practices that enhance resilience to climate variability.

This training is being conducted by Aquaculture Enterprise Limited under the Sustainable Aquatic Foods (SAF) project, implemented by GIZ. The focus is on climate-smart aquaculture, equipping farmers with knowledge and skills to improve productivity while safeguarding the environment.

Together, we are building a more sustainable and climate-resilient aquaculture sector!

04/02/2025

Empowering Aquaculture Through Hands-On Training!

Over the past few days, participants engaged in an insightful and practical training session on sustainable aquaculture under the SAF Project by AEL. The sessions covered essential aspects of fish farming, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the right skills to enhance productivity and sustainability in their operations.

Key Highlights:
✅ Demonstration on pond siting and construction to ensure optimal fish growth.
✅ Participants actively engaging with trainers, eager to learn and apply new techniques.
✅ Harvesting exercise demonstration to improve efficiency in fish collection.
✅ Practical session on fish feed formulation using locally available ingredients, promoting cost-effective and nutritious feeding strategies.
✅ Group discussions on climate change impacts in aquaculture, fostering knowledge exchange and adaptation strategies.
✅ Participants received record-keeping books, a vital tool for tracking progress and ensuring sustainable farm management.

A big thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm and dedication! Together, we are building a more resilient and profitable aquaculture sector.