Standing by the fish pond under Kajikasuku Fisheries Project at Lura, about 300 metres by the now under-construction Livingstonia Road in Traditional Authority Mwalweni in Rumphi, one is greeted by a stunning beauty from a combination of indigenous and exotic trees that surround the site.

The cool soft wind that produces a whistling sound as it whips through the pine trees is what any visitor would love to feel if they are on a relaxing mode.

Besides pine trees, there are also indigenous species which are dominated by the Masuku (Uapaca kirkiana) type. The two species combine with several others to produce the beauty one is likely to enjoy.

With the fish pond surrounding looking well cared for, what quickly comes to mind is that the place is intended for a recreation site rather than fish production.

It is this village forest that prompted the idea among community members to have a fish production project.

This was on the understanding that the village forest, acting as a catchment area, would assist in water conservation in the fish ponds to be constructed.

“We started with an afforestation project to conserve the trees, and then officials from the Fisheries Department advised us to construct a fish pond.”

“They saw the viability of the proposed fish project, especially with the presence of trees around. It was also a need by the community in this area to produce fish from the constructed pond,” says Kajikasuku Fisheries Project Secretary, Khumbo Harawa.

Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) 4 Public Works Programme, supported the construction of the fish pond which started with 21 people.

They plan to turn their fortunes and surprise many. To sustain the project, members used the money accrued from a first catch to buy feed for the fish.

What is interesting is that the project’s beneficiaries have quickly identified a different potential the fish production initiative could offer other than just fish production, which they would like to exploit. They have improved the scenery and plan to harness resources through allowing private use for a few of the scenic place.