Luwingu, Zambia: Cosmas Chachi, a resourceful businessman from Zambia’s Luwingu District, has transformed his local supermarket into a thriving aquaculture hub, demonstrating how innovation and community-driven initiatives can address food security and empower rural livelihoods. His journey, supported by the AID-I project, illustrates the transformative power of sustainable aquaculture in a region grappling with nutritional needs and economic challenges.
Chachi, initially selling fish to meet local demand, faced familiar hurdles: unreliable supply chains, inadequate storage, and limited financing. However, a turning point arrived in April 2023 when he participated in an AID-I training program led by CIMMYT and implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). This program equipped him with vital skills in sustainable feed management, water quality control, and efficient harvesting techniques.
“The training equipped me with expert knowledge in aquaculture management and skills to design and operate efficient fishponds,” Chachi recounts. Armed with this expertise, he expanded his fishponds, implementing a strategic stocking system that ensured a consistent fish supply, even during the national fish ban, a period of scarcity.
His enterprise has become a vital economic driver in the community, employing 25 permanent workers, primarily local youth, and providing seasonal jobs to 12 more. Emmanuel Makumba, a shop attendant for eight years, attests to the transformative impact, stating, “The job at the supermarket helped me relocate from my village, build my own house, and send my children to a private school.”
A significant boost came in June 2024 with the installation of a 15-ton cold storage facility, funded by IWMI. This upgrade dramatically reduced post-harvest losses and enhanced Chachi’s storage capacity, ensuring a steady supply for his supermarket and supporting local farmers. “With the new cold storage facility, Cosmas can now buy and store up to 700 kg of fish per harvest without the risk of spoilage,” a project representive said.
Beyond his supermarket, Chachi has expanded into a popular restaurant, offering fresh fish from his ponds, creating a unique dining experience. Moreover, he has transformed his fishponds into practical classrooms, providing free training to aspiring fish farmers. Over the past year, he has trained 50 farmers in sustainable aquaculture practices, fostering a ripple effect of progress.
As more farmers adopt these practices, local food security improves, and income streams diversify, stabilizing the community’s food supply and enhancing diets with nutrient-rich fish. The AID-I project, through IWMI’s efforts, has supported 297 fish farmers across Northern and Luapula Provinces, addressing Zambia’s fish supply and demand gap.
Chachi’s story exemplifies the power of partnerships, innovation, and resilience in driving community progress. It underscores the potential for a robust aquaculture sector in Zambia, where challenges spur solutions and success benefits entire communities.
