Zambia, February 2026: Fish farmer training kicks off in Kawambwa district as part of GIZ GP SAF Zambia

COFAD, through a partnership with Kawambwa-based NGO 'Success in Community Action' (SCA) are delivering targeted capacity‑building for 1,000 small‑scale fish farmers across Luapula Province in Northern Zambia. The training sessions are built around highly practical, hands‑on demonstrations that allow farmers to directly apply new techniques in pond preparation, innovative feed formulation, water‑quality monitoring, basic record keeping and business management. By placing farmers at the center of the learning process, the GP SAF Zambia is helping these producers gain confidence in improved aquaculture practices that can raise production levels and incomes.

A key focus of the training has been the integration of climate‑smart aquaculture principles. COFAD trainers have emphasized adaptive practices such as resilient pond design, efficient water‑use strategies, species and strain selection suited for changing climatic conditions, environmentally responsible feed management through the 'nutritious pond concept' developed by researchers of Wageningen University as well as innovative harvest technologies.

Farmers are learning how to anticipate climate‑related risks, including variability in rainfall patterns and water temperature fluctuations, and how to adjust their management plans accordingly. These climate‑responsive skills are enabling farmers to build greater resilience and ensure more stable yields throughout production cycles.

The training sessions have also systematically incorporated gender‑transformative approaches, ensuring that women - who play a vital but often under‑recognised role in aquaculture - are fully included. Through discussions on workload distribution, access to inputs, and market opportunities, the team is helping communities identify and address gender‑related barriers that limit women’s contribution and benefit from aquaculture. As a result, more women are taking on leadership roles in pond management, record-keeping, and marketing.

Early feedback from participating farmers indicates that the emphasis on these themes and the introduction of novel technologies, such as locally-constructed fish traps, is translating into noticeable improvements in production, productivity, and profitability already. Farmers report better survival rates, and more efficient feeding practices, contributing to more consistent income generation. COFAD trainers continue to provide follow-up support and mentoring visits to ensure that farmers can sustain and expand these improvements over time.