Culture-based production systems: Options for the chambo in Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe

Abstract

The drastic decline of the chambo in Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe has sparked interest in its restoration to reach its maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The paper reviews several options that are applied worldwide and provides a synthesis of what could be done for the chambo. Experiences from several countries, especially in Asia, have shown that culture-based production systems have resulted in high production of fish such as tilapia and hence, if adoptedin Malawi, can provide an alternative approach to increased fish production in Lakes Malombe and Malawi. Thepaper analyzes and compares management and production methods that can be used to enhance the chambo stockin Malawi.