About AquaFish

Who We Are

The Africa Center of Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science is a leading institution dedicated to excellence in education and research in the field of aquaculture and fisheries. Our center strives to empower students, researchers, and professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic field.

Recognizing the gaps in agri-food systems in Malawi and beyond, AquaFish plays a prominent role in addressing these challenges. Through the successful implementation of the ACE II project and additional financing under ACE II-AF (2022-2025), we engage stakeholders in the aquaculture and fisheries value chain to contribute to food security and agricultural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Our focus lies in integrating fish-crop-livestock production systems, the foundation of the sub-Saharan agriculture sector. Emphasizing a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach, we drive agricultural structural transformation and enhance food security in the region. By fostering Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture (IAA) practices among fish, crop, and livestock farmers, we create diversified farm returns and stimulate the growth of fish-crop-livestock enterprises (SMEs) for agri-commercialization.

To strengthen our efforts in agro-industrialization and commercialization, we prioritize three areas: capacity building in agri-food systems at the community, industry, and academia levels; supporting entrepreneurship and agribusiness development for sustainable livelihoods; and conducting policy analysis and advocating for policies that facilitate the transformation of agri-food systems.

At AquaFish, our dedicated collaborative efforts aim to drive positive change in the aquaculture and fisheries sectors, working towards a sustainable future for the ESA region and beyond.

Our Vision & Mission

Vision

To be a world class centre of excellence in aquaculture and fisheries.

Mission

To advance innovation and entrepreneurship in the production of high skilled fit-for-purpose critical mass of scientists for improved aquaculture and fisheries management and value chains in order to enhance food, nutrition and economic security.

Challenges We Address

Food Security Challenges

Food insecurity remains critical in SADC, where 61% of the population relies on agriculture for survival (64.1% in Malawi), yet 11.5% still face hunger. A major challenge is food loss—37% of produce is lost between production and consumption (FAO, 2011). In Malawi alone, post-harvest losses reach 30% for grains and up to 50% for perishables such as fruits, vegetables, roots, tubers, meat, and fish.

Systemic Challenges

Insufficient human capacity & infrastructure Skills gaps in agro-processing, value addition, storage, marketing Inadequate agri-food systems leading to high malnutrition prevalence in SADC These losses are driven by insufficient human capacity and weak infrastructure, with skills gaps in agro-processing, value addition, storage, and marketing. As a result, inadequate agri-food systems continue to fuel widespread malnutrition across the region.