Anike Foundation helped one of its partner organizations, Liseli Initiative, secure a grant from the Spykman Foundation for a fish farming project aimed at empowering women and youth within the Mulala community in Livingstone, Zambia. This is one of several grants that Anike Foundation has helped Liseli Initiative obtain. 

WHO IS LISELI INITIATIVE?

Liseli Initiative is a non-governmental organization that provides quality education and mentorship to younger generations, changing their lives for the better. It is located in the city of Livingstone. 

THANDIZO FISH FARMING PROJECT

After obtaining the grant in October 2022, Liseli Initiative officially began construction of the fishpond in November. Working with a local contractor, five male youths were able to successfully construct the 10-by-20-meter fish pond within two weeks. 

By early December, a total of 2,500 fingerlings inhabited the pond. The weight of each fish was measured monthly to ensure proper growth, and the fish exhibited a normal growth rate. 

In May 2023, the fish were ready for harvest. The five male youths involved in the project retrieved the fish from the pond, while several women weighed and packaged the fish for sale. A total of 280 kilograms of fish was harvested from the pond. 

LESSONS LEARNED AND FUTURE PLANS

Although the harvest did not produce as many kilograms of fish as expected, the Thandizo Fish Farming project proved to be a valuable learning experience. The Department of Fisheries recommended avoiding stocking the pond during the cold season. This recommendation will be followed in the future. 

 The next step is to restock the pond with new fingerlings of the same size and sex. The beneficiaries are eager for these next steps and continue to demonstrate their dedication to empowering those within the Mulala community.

CONCLUSIONS

Thanks to the support from Anike Foundation and the generous grant from Spykman Foundation, Liseli Initiative was able to successfully conduct the Thandizo Fish Farming project in Livingstone, Zambia. Members of the Mulala community strengthened their fish farming skills and helped make a difference in their community as a result of this project. Additionally, valuable lessons were learned that will be applied to subsequent fish farming projects.

In the future, the beneficiaries hope to continue empowering communities through sustainable projects such as the Thandizo Fish Farming project. Please consider helping Anike Foundation and Liseli Initiative make a positive impact by clicking the “Donate” button at the bottom of this page.