Promoting Sustainable Fishing in Southern Zambia

Jun 08, 2023

Lake Farms and Fishing Lodge Limited (LFFL) is an aquaculture company located on the shores of Lake Kariba. It specializes in Nile tilapia and Australian red claw crayfish farming in Siavonga, Southern Province, Zambia. Lake Farms aims to develop the fishing industry in Gwembe Valley and create employment opportunities for women and youth in the Lake Kariba area. The company works with up to 500 local fishermen from various fishing cooperatives and distributes the purchased fish and crayfish to customers in Zambia and the Southern African region.  

In 2022, USADF awarded Lake Farms a US$93K grant to expand its business operations and meet growing local and international demand for its fish products. Using these funds, Lake Farms improved the capacity of its business to process and package fish. They purchased necessary fish production, refrigeration, and transportation equipment, such as a refrigerated truck, motorcycle, vacuum sealer, deep freezers, and fishing gear. The team also trained their staff to improve financial and administrative operations and educate fishermen and fish farmers on healthy, sustainable, and safe fishing practices. Additionally, the funds supported the construction of a fish trading platform at Mundulundulu village, developed a five-year business plan, and covered other administrative costs.  

Although the project is ongoing, the impact has already been monumental. Since the start of the project, Lake Farms has recorded a 408% increase in net income, from US$231K to US$1.2M. The annual quantity of fish purchased from their local fish suppliers has increased by 220% for tilapia and 327% for crayfish, resulting in a 206% increase in their sales revenue. In addition, the construction of the fish trading platform placed the company closer to the lake, improving the freshness and quality of their fish and crayfish while reducing the distance fishermen traveled to sell their catch. 

Lake Farms received training on lake safety and the well-being of the fishing communities in the village. As a result, they have implemented sustainable fishing practices such as improving their caged tilapia breeding capacity, diversifying their fish products, and reducing the burden on tilapia capture. These efforts have reduced overfishing in the region and improved environmental health for the lake and its surrounding villages. 

With the continued support of USADF, Lake Farms is working on additional projects, such as the construction of a feed shed, cold rooms, and packing facilities. These developments will enable the company to become the largest crayfish producer in the region. This project is commendable for its efforts to improve the income and livelihoods of fishermen and women in southern Zambian villages without compromising the health of their waters, demonstrating that sustainable development is achievable.