Transforming the Aquaculture Sector in Malawi: Key Lessons From the 2022 SADC Regional Fisheries Dialogue Side Event

Key Messages • In most African countries, there has been a policy shift away from treating small-scale aquaculture as a tool for achieving household food security towards the prioritization of sustainable commercial aquaculture. If embraced in Malawi, this shift can attract both domestic and foreign investment. • Investing in research can transform the aquaculture sector. Genetic improvement programs, in particular, will result in a greater availability of high-quality fingerlings. • Following the examples of the top aquaculture-producing countries in Africa, the Government of Malawi should provide incentives for private sector investment in diversified feed production, research, and aquaculture production. • Adoption of innovative technologies and best farm management practices (such as cage culture) is key for boosting aquaculture productivity and profitability. • Domestication and implementation of the SADC regional plans (including the Aquaculture Strategy, Aquatic Animal Health Strategy, and Regional Value Chain Priority Action Roadmap) will promote regional cooperation that could lead to greater trade in fish products and help to achieve regional integration.

核心要点
• 多数非洲国家已完成政策转向：不再将小规模水产养殖（aquaculture）视作实现家庭粮食安全的工具，转而优先发展可持续商业水产养殖。若马拉维采纳这一转型方向，将可吸引国内外投资。
• 科研投入可推动水产养殖产业转型升级，其中遗传改良计划将大幅提升优质鱼种的供给量。
• 效仿非洲水产养殖产量领先国家的经验，马拉维政府应为私营部门在多元化饲料生产、科研及水产养殖生产领域的投资提供激励政策。
• 采用创新技术与最优农场管理实践（如网箱养殖（cage culture）），是提升水产养殖生产力与盈利能力的关键举措。
• 本土化适配并实施南部非洲发展共同体（SADC）区域规划，包括《水产养殖战略（Aquaculture Strategy）》《水生动物健康战略（Aquatic Animal Health Strategy）》及《区域价值链优先行动路线图（Regional Value Chain Priority Action Roadmap）》，此举将促进区域合作，进而推动水产品贸易增长，并助力实现区域一体化。