Along the shores of Lake Kariba, in the heart of Zambia’s Southern Province, lies the fishing village of Chilele. For a long time, its inhabitants have been facing a myriad of challenges, including poor living conditions, lack of infrastructure, and declining fish stocks.
Under the guidance of the Ecofish programme, funded by the European Union, a new chapter began to unfold for this small village… Let us dive into it!
Less fish, more problems
For years, the villagers of Chilele had to endure harsh living conditions because of poverty and a lack of basic amenities. Without proper roads, schools and healthcare facilities, accessing essential services became incredibly difficult.
The community has relied on fishing as the primary source of livelihood for generations. However, this dependence was becoming increasingly precarious as fish stocks decreased. The imposition of fish bans during breeding seasons made it even harder to make ends meet. In their struggle to sustain their livelihoods, some fishermen decided to resort to illegal fishing practices, such as using unauthorised fishing gear. These methods not only deplete fish stocks even further but also harm the balance of the lake’s ecosystem.
Empowerment through actions
To address the crisis Zambia social forum (ZAMSOF) through the Zambia sustainable small-scale fisheries program introduced fish farming activities to fishing villages in the Sinazongwe district. In March 2022, the village of Chilele received the support of the Sinazongwe Department of Fisheries to construct a fish pond.
With the organisation’s expertise leading the way, a 30×20 pond was built. In the depths of their labor, they were able to dig a well to provide water for the pond. They not only obtained a reliable water source, but also set up a fish farm for 3,200 fingerlings—a promise of abundance and sustenance. To ensure the water’s purity is at optimum level, a unique method was employed: placing bubble fish in the well as indicators. Alongside this, a security fence was erected, and a dedicated committee was formed to safeguard the pond.
Since the establishment of the fish pond, post-harvest losses have decreased by 35%.
Beyond the ponds
The project, a collaborative effort between ActionAid Zambia, ZAMSOF, and the Keeper Zambia Foundation, found support from the European Union through the Ecofish programme.
In addition to the construction of the pond, this initiative extended a lifeline to the community by helping them setting up a fund to fight poverty levels in Chilele. Through training sessions on diversification, the organisation was able to nurture a sense of hope within the community, giving them new opportunities such as gardening and vegetable farming.
These activities provided an alternative source of income to the villagers, especially to vulnerable women and youth. The invaluable training sessions aimed to bolster the community’s economic status through sustainable practices. Residents of Chilele were able to embark on a journey of empowerment thanks to these newfound skills with regards to sustainable fisheries management, integrated fishing and farming techniques, value addition, and effective marketing strategies.
The community has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to these initiatives. Institutions like Sinajola Secondary School have organised demonstration programs at the village fish pond, promoting the concept of hard work, commitment, and community ownership.
A true inspiration towards positive change!
