Deep in Luwingu District, where quiet ponds glisten under the northern sun, a group of resilient small-scale farmers are building something extraordinary. It is a vision of aquaculture that could feed families, build incomes, and transform rural livelihoods. A recent study gives us an intimate look into their lives, their practices, and their potential..

The Farmers Behind the Revolution: Who’s Driving Luwingu’s Aquaculture?

The farmers participating in this study aren’t just numbers, they’re families, dreamers, and doers. Mostly men, with an average age of 49, they lead households of about seven people and juggle multiple responsibilities. Many live more than 20 kilometers from Luwingu town, making access to markets and technical support a challenge.

Most have around seven years of experience in fish farming, yet they receive on average only two extension visits per year. Imagine running a business with so little expert support. It’s a testament to their determination.

Pond Size & Potential: How Big Are Luwingu’s Aquaculture Operations?

On average, each farmer manages about two or three ponds, each approximately 641 square meters in size. But variability is the rule, not the exception. Some have ponds as small as 70 m², while others stretch up to a staggering 3,450 m².

The size and number of ponds directly influence what these farmers can produce, but that’s not the only factor at play.

Water Scarcity: The Silent Threat to Fish Farming Success

Water is the lifeblood of aquaculture, and here, it’s a struggle. While 73% of farmers depend on groundwater, only 3% have year-round water access. Seasonal shortages are common and limit consistent production.

Fish Stocking Strategies: Are Farmers Underutilizing Their Ponds?

As for fish stocking, the average is just 1.4 fingerlings per square meter, far below optimal rates, perhaps rooted in financial constraints or limited technical guidance. Some ponds aren’t stocked at all during certain cycles, which means missed opportunities.

Feeding Fish on a Budget: How Luwingu’s Farmers Stretch Every Kwacha

Feeding strategies reveal both innovation and limitation. Farmers often blend homemade feeds with small amounts of commercial feed and by-products like maize bran. The average feeding rate is about 0.39 kg/m², with commercial feed making up only 15% of that.

Cycles can range from as short as three months to as long as three years, with a median of eight months. The longer grow-out periods may reflect insufficient feeding, which slows down fish growth and strains household cash flow.

The Power of Manure: How Organic Fertilizers Fuel Pond Productivity

Most farmers fertilize their ponds using manure which is accessible and affordable. The average input is around 150 kg per cycle, which delivers about 13.4 grams of nitrogen per square meter. While not excessive, it’s enough to promote algae growth, which feeds fish naturally and supports productivity.

However, the limited use of chemical fertilizers might also point to a knowledge or affordability gap.

From Pond to Plate: Productivity and Harvests

What do these efforts yield? Harvests vary wildly, from as little as 2 kg to 880 kg per cycle, with an average of 68.5 kg. When translated into productivity, that’s about 0.12 kg per square meter, well below potential but still significant for household consumption and small sales.

The good news? Farmers who invest more in feed and fertilizer consistently see better harvests. The relationship between inputs and outcomes is strong and encouraging.

The Profit Picture: Can Fish Farming Lift Farmers Out of Poverty?

Even with all these constraints, farmers are managing to generate income. Median disposable income stands at ZMW 10,000, with some earning up to ZMW 86,000. The correlation is clear: larger ponds, consistent feeding, and better input management result in higher returns.

So, What Can We Learn From Luwingu?

This study is more than numbers, it’s a story of quiet persistence and untapped promise. Here’s what we can take away:

• Water security is key. Rainwater harvesting, pond lining, or small-scale irrigation could unlock year-round production.
• Stocking smarter, even on small ponds, can boost outcomes. Starting with 1–2 fish per square meter is manageable and impactful.
• Feeding matters. Even modest commercial input, when mixed with homegrown solutions, can shorten grow-out time and increase yields.
• Fertilizer is underrated. Organic sources like manure remain an affordable and effective tool for pond productivity.
• Farmer support needs a boost. Two extension visits a year isn’t enough. More training, more co-op structures, and peer learning can make a world of difference.

Conclusion: From Struggle to Success-The Road Ahead for Luwingu

Luwingu’s small-scale fish farmers are already creating ripples in Zambia’s food security and income generation landscape. With the right investments in water access, technical support, and input management, those ripples could turn into powerful waves.This isn’t just a story of challenges, it’s a story of potential. Of farmers doing so much with so little. And of what could happen if we simply gave them a little more to work with.

Reference: Mudege, Netsayi N., et al. “Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Scale Fish Farmers in Luwingu District, Zambia.” *Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems*, 2024, pp. 1–21, doi:10.1080/21683565.2024.2421951