CDF Canada - IAAM Project

12/05/2026

🌾 We were proud to participate in the 2026 Co-operative Fair, organized by the Malawi Federation of Cooperatives-MAFECO at COMESA Hall, Chichiri International Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre!

Held under the theme "Co-operatives Empower Women: Transforming Agri-Food Systems," the fair brought together co-operatives, financial institutions, development partners, and the public - all united around inclusive and sustainable agriculture.

The Guest of honour at the event was the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industrialisation, Business and Tourism, Dr. Bright Molande, who toured the fair pavilions and reaffirmed that women play a foundational role in Malawi's agricultural sector.

During the fair, we showcased the work and impact of the Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) Project and the CDF Canada - Voice For Women and Girls Project, highlighting how co-operatives and SACCO linkages are strengthening livelihoods, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting sustainable agri-food systems in Malawi.

The fair was a powerful reminder of what women at the grassroots level are building every day. Among the voices that stood out was Zakkia Kimu, a 42-year-old member of Mikoko Co-operative in Machinga District:
"Coming here was a great opportunity as a woman. We came to showcase what we grow as a co-operative — including Salima and Kilombero rice varieties; as well as our value added products. Through our work with CDF Canada, I was honoured to speak on behalf of fellow women farmers and share how we contribute to the economy. We have been encouraged greatly by learning from other co-operatives as well."

Zakkia's words capture what this work is truly about — women not just participating in agriculture, but leading, advocating, and lifting others as they rise.

We left with new partnerships, fresh insights into emerging trends, and a deeper appreciation for the strength of Malawi's co-operative movement. Thank you to MAFECO for organizing such an impactful event, and to all the co-operatives, stakeholders, and development partners who made it a success.
Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada
Malawi Union Of Savings and Credit Cooperatives
Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade & Tourism - Malawi
Department of Fisheries - Malawi
Awfishnet Malawi Chapter

24/04/2026

We've just wrapped up two productive days at Sunbird Lilongwe Hotel for the IAAM FY3 Quarter 1 Review Meeting — bringing together our incredible network of partners to reflect, learn, and plan ahead!

Over January–March 2026, the project has been working tirelessly across multiple districts. This meeting gave us the platform to:

✅ Review Quarter 1 achievements against our targets
🌱 Share lessons on climate-resilient & gender-inclusive approaches
🤝 Strengthen coordination across all implementing partners
📋 Plan our priorities for Quarter 2

A key highlight of the meeting was the strong collaboration among partners, which continues to drive the project forward. The openness in sharing experiences, aligning priorities, and jointly planning for the next quarter reflects a growing synergy that is both encouraging and essential for achieving sustainable impact.

A huge thank you to our implementing partners — WORLEC, CAP, MUSCCO, MAFECO, AWFISHNET, and LUANAR — and to the Department of Fisheries for their continued collaboration.

With clear action points and strengthened coordination, the project is well-positioned to deliver meaningful results in the coming quarter.
Awfishnet Malawi Chapter
Community Agribusiness Partners-CAP Malawi
Malawi Federation of Cooperatives-MAFECO
Malawi Union Of Savings and Credit Cooperatives
Women's Legal Resources Centre - WOLREC
Luanar
Department of Fisheries - Malawi

22/04/2026

A proud moment for the IAAM project as Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, Minister of Natural Resources, visited Mudimwa Fish Farming Club to see integrated aquaculture-agriculture in action. Stronger farms, better incomes, and a more food-secure Malawi 🙌🏽🩵
Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada
Community Agribusiness Partners-CAP Malawi

21/04/2026

📍 Dowa West District Agriculture Field Day | Machentche Co-operative Site Visit

We participated in the Dowa West District Agriculture Field Day held on 20 April 2026, where stakeholders visited Machentche Co-operative, one of the IAAM Project sites, to appreciate the impact of integrated aquaculture-agriculture interventions on the ground.

The site visit provided a practical demonstration of how inputs and support provided by CDF Canada through the IAAM Project are being utilized by farmers to improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and enhance household incomes. From fish ponds to integrated crop production, the site reflected the value of combining agriculture and aquaculture as a sustainable approach to food security.

Machentche Co-operative was selected as a model site, offering stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with farmers, observe technologies in practice, and better understand how Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture (IAA) approaches are contributing to climate-smart farming and diversified livelihoods.

The Field Day, held under the theme “Sustainable Income and Food Security through Climate Smart and Integrated Agriculture Technologies,” brought together farmers, extension workers, and partners committed to advancing agricultural transformation in Dowa. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Council Chairperson Mr. Billy Mtika.


Community Agribusiness Partners-CAP Malawi
Ministry of Agriculture - Malawi
Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Department of Fisheries - Malawi

17/04/2026

📍 We were at Silita II Village, Mnjere Central Section, Mvera EPA in Dowa District for the Dowa East District Agriculture Field Day!

Held under the theme, “Adoption of good agricultural practices, improved diverse crop varieties and livestock species is key for achieving diversified nutrition and sustainable income at the household level,” the event brought together farmers, stakeholders, and members of the District Agriculture Extension Coordinating Committee (DAECC).

The CDF Canada IAAM Project showcased its integrated aquaculture-agriculture approach, demonstrating how the combination of fish farming, crop diversification, and sustainable farming practices enhances household nutrition and income.

During the tour of the pavilion, Japhet Kamanga, a fish farmer from Nambuna Co-operative, presented on the integration approach and shared how the project has impacted his livelihood:
“Through the integration, my household income has improved. The IAAM Project has provided a demonstration pond where we are learning practices that are helping us improve our own ponds. We are grateful to be gaining new skills and using improved methods to make our agricultural activities more productive.”

The event was honoured by the presence of the Guest of Honour, Mr. Billy Mtika, Council Chairperson, who highlighted the district’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Here are highlights from the field day.
Community Agribusiness Partners-CAP Malawi

07/04/2026

📍 Mponela, Dowa | 6–10 April 2026

The IAAM Project is currently conducting a one-week Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP) write-shop to develop governance standards for village forest areas (VFAs) and rehabilitated riverine forests.

For too long, community members and Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) have faced challenges in enforcing sustainable-use rules without formal by-laws. Building on the resource assessments and consultations started in 2025, we are now turning that data into clear, enforceable governance standards.

This week, the Forestry team and stakeholders from all IAAM districts have come together to address this gap. Participants include District Forest Officers, Assistant District Forest Officers, Forest Assistants, VNRMC representatives, and CDF Canada technical staff.

By the end of this week, we will have consolidated 80 PFMP standards and governance guidelines, including 10 specific guidelines for every district. This ensures that every VNRMC area has a roadmap for harvesting plans, replanting obligations, and fire control protocols.

Following this write-shop, draft PFMPs will be taken back to communities for validation. This will involve community meetings and feedback sessions to review proposed by-laws, harvesting rules, replanting obligations, and fire control measures before finalisation.

This process strengthens community-led forest management and supports sustainable restoration of woodlots and riverine ecosystems.

27/03/2026

💚💚💚

🌱 🐟 🌾 Across Malawi, new Integrated Aquaculture–Agriculture (IAAS) demonstration plots are taking shape as part of our IAAM project, and they represent something much bigger than individual fish ponds.

These sites are designed as hands-on learning hubs where farmers, co-operatives, and extension workers can see what integrated, climate-resilient systems look like in practice.

Each demo plot brings together multiple elements (fish, crops, livestock, and agroforestry), creating a system where everything works together to improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and support more stable incomes for small-scale producers, especially women.

From integrated fish farming and crop production to the use of organic inputs and diversified food systems, these plots demonstrate what’s possible and create models that can be replicated across communities.

These sites will serve as spaces for learning, exchange, and innovation, helping to build stronger and more sustainable local food systems.

New demo ponds, such as the ones in the photo, have recently been established in the Rumphi District in Northern Malawi.

21/03/2026

On this International Day of Forests, the IAAM Project joins the world in celebrating this year’s theme: Trees and Forests for Community Resilience. Healthy forests support resilient communities by protecting water sources, improving soil, supporting livelihoods, and strengthening food security. We are working with communities in Malawi to build resilience while protecting the environment for future generations! 💚

March 21, 2026

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS
Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Day of Forests (IDF).

The IDF is a global observance held annually to raise awareness on the importance and role of trees and forests in supporting livelihoods, biodiversity, climate regulation, and socio-economic development.

Let's work together to conserve and restore trees and forests for a better Malawi.

08/03/2026

This International Women's Day, we're choosing hope — and action💜

In Malawi, women produce 80% of food for home consumption — yet only 27% have a say in economic decisions. Barriers to markets, resources, and justice hold them back every day.
Through the IAAM Project, we're working with smallholder farmers, women-led co-operatives, and communities across Malawi to change that. Because when women have the tools, voice, and legal protection they deserve, entire communities thrive.
Rights are just words without justice. Let's build both — together.


Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada CDF Canada - Voice For Women and Girls Project
Women's Legal Resources Centre - WOLREC Malawi Union Of Savings and Credit Cooperatives Malawi Federation of Cooperatives-MAFECO Community Agribusiness Partners-CAP Malawi Awfishnet Malawi Chapter

06/03/2026

In The Nation newspaper on our work in Mzimba District!

03/03/2026