How do Malawi’s lakes and rivers support fishing communities?

Malawi’s lakes and rivers are vital to the country’s fishing communities, providing a diverse catch that supports both subsistence needs and commercial economies.1

• Primary Sources: Lake Malawi is the most significant resource, accounting for approximately three-fourths of the national catch due to its high accessibility and remarkable biodiversity. Other essential sources include Lake Chilwa, Lake Malombe, Lake Chiuta, and the Shire River.12
• Economic and Dietary Role: Fishing is conducted through subsistence, artisanal, and commercial operations. Commercially significant species include the endemic tilapia (known locally as chambo), catfish (mlamba), and minnows (matemba). Some of the catch is exported to neighboring countries.12
• Community Management: In response to declining fish populations caused by overfishing and illegal practices, lakeshore communities have established natural resources committees. These groups actively participate in managing fisheries and enforcing regulations to protect the sustainability of these aquatic resources.1