SADC Hosts Writeshop for Regional Fish Genetic Improvement Programme in Malawi
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) hosted the Proposal Development Writeshop for the Regional Fish Genetic Improvement Programme from July 22 to 26, 2024, in Blantyre, Malawi. The main objective was to bolster agricultural research and development and mobilize resources to enhance agriculture and food security.
The Writeshop, held in collaboration with CCARDESA, WorldFish, and the Government of Malawi, aimed to develop fundable proposals. This initiative was supported under the CAADP-XP4 Programme, funded with EUR 30 million from the European Union and administered by IFAD.
SADC places significant importance on indigenous fish species to mitigate biodiversity risks and improve aquaculture productivity. The Regional Genetic Improvement Programme (GIP) was approved in 2017 to support sustainable regional tilapia value chains and enhance economic opportunities across the region.
Dr. Motseki Hlatshwayo, Fisheries Technical Advisor at the SADC Secretariat and PROFISHBLUE Project Manager, emphasized the Writeshop’s objectives, highlighting the importance of tilapia development in Malawi.
He praised the National Aquaculture Development Centre in Domasi for its efforts in breeding the Shire tilapia and recognized Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania for their ongoing work in tilapia genetic improvement.
Dr. Hlatshwayo noted tilapia’s high tolerance to variable water quality and its growth potential in both freshwater and marine environments, making it suitable for small-scale farmers.
Dr. Hastings Zidana, Director of Fisheries at Malawi’s Department of Fisheries, highlighted the region’s current tilapia production of 180,000 metric tons, which falls short of the 2030 target of 330,000 metric tons.
He discussed strategies to advance production through research and learning opportunities among SADC Member States, and praised the National Aquaculture Development Centre’s role in building research capacity. Dr. Zidana stressed the need for strong partnerships and collaboration to achieve significant results.
Ms. Amanda Chembezi, a Board Member for CCARDESA, highlighted the Writeshop as a milestone in building a regional research and development programme. She emphasized CCARDESA’s renewed focus on aquaculture and fisheries, and the importance of a comprehensive development plan to support these sectors.
The four-day Writeshop brought together 28 participants from eleven SADC Member States, including experts in fish genetics, biology, hatchery management, and aquaculture.
The discussions focused on the GIFISH Project Concept Note, aligning with national and regional plans, and meeting the criteria for bankable projects by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Source: SADC
