CDF Canada - IAAM Project

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

26/02/2026

Continuing our mission to bridge the food gap for vulnerable families, the CDF Canada team has officially finalized the emergency assistance distributions across Zomba.

As part of the Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) project—a partnership with the Government of Malawi and supported by the Government of Norway—we are ensuring that our fish farming communities stay resilient during these challenging months.

Just as we saw in Thyolo, the families in Zomba are now equipped with essential supplies to stabilize their households:
Maize (50kg): To bridge the consumption gap during the peak of the lean season.
Beans (10kg): To boost protein intake and dietary diversity.
Resilience Roots: Cassava cuttings and orange-fleshed sweet potato vines to secure future harvests and lower input costs.

Julita Stenala, 42, a fish farmer from Chingale, Zomba, shared her relief:
“My family and I are so happy because we finally have food in our home again. We farmed, but unfortunately, we did not harvest enough this year. As a fish farmer, this support means I will have the energy to take care of my pond. I can even use some of the maize products to feed my fish, which means I won’t be forced to harvest them too early.”

By meeting immediate nutritional needs, we allow these families to focus on their integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems without the pressure of extreme food insecurity.

The smiles in Zomba remind us why this work matters!

25/02/2026

CDF Canada, in partnership with local VNRMCs and government forest staff, has been hard at work establishing tree seedling production across all GVHs. This month, our dedicated Forest Team hit the ground running for a comprehensive Tree Planting Verification Exercise.

Numbers are important, but survival is the goal! Our team collaborated with VNRMCs to:
- Verify and Count: Physically checking the numbers and ensuring correct planting techniques were used.
- Health Check: Assessing the growth and vitality of the young trees.
- Maintenance Evaluation: Reviewing weeding, watering, and protection measures.
- Data Validation: Cross-referencing field findings with secretary record books.

The hard work is paying off! In many areas, the trees are becoming well-established. With the current rainfall patterns holding steady, we are optimistic about achieving a high survival rate this season. 🌧️✨

A huge thank you to the community members and forest staff who are nurturing these "humble beginnings" into what will one day be a thriving forest canopy.

20/02/2026

🌱 Promoting Community Resilience Through Tree Planting in Zomba

On 19 February 2026, CDF Canada, through the Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) Project, supported the 2025/2026 Forestry Season Launch in Zomba District. The event was held at G.V.H. Kasambwe in the area of Senior Chief Mwambo under the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience.”

The launch highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action to address continued environmental degradation driven by charcoal production and unsustainable cultivation practices. District Council Chairperson Baster Chirwa, who served as Guest of Honour, stressed the importance of shared responsibility in protecting the environment, while stakeholders echoed the need for strengthened community ownership during this forestry season.

It was encouraging to see fellow Civil Society Organizations actively engaged in conservation efforts alongside government and community leaders, demonstrating growing momentum toward restoring Zomba’s forest cover.

Senior Chief Mwambo also called on community members to take the lead in environmental conservation by planting and protecting more trees to reclaim the degraded landscape.

The IAAM Project remains committed to supporting district-led, community-driven initiatives that strengthen climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management.

16/02/2026

Supporting Families During the 2025/26 Lean Season

During the lean season (October– February), many households in Malawi are facing food insecurity challenges.

Through a partnership between CDF Canada, and the Government of Malawi with support from the Government of Norway, emergency assistance is being provided to vulnerable families under the Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) project.

Who is being supported?
- 1,528 individual fish farmers
- 1,374 vulnerable households connected to integrated aquaculture-agriculture demo ponds and cage culture systems.

Each household is receiving:
- One 50 kg bag of maize grain to bridge the consumption gap during the peak lean season.
- One 10 kg pack of beans to enhance dietary diversity and protein intake.
- A sack of cassava cuttings or orange-fleshed sweet potato vines to reduce future input costs and stabilize seasonal consumption.

This initiative supports fish farming households and vulnerable families to meet immediate food needs while strengthening long-term resilience.

Here are highlights from Thyolo District:


Thyolo District Council

13/02/2026

CDF Canada, through the IAAM Project, is proud to have supported the 2025/2026 Tree Planting Launch in Thyolo District.

Thyolo District Council has set an ambitious target of planting over one million trees this season, with more than 1,060,000 seedlings secured and over 500,000 already planted. The district is not only focusing on planting, but also on ensuring a survival rate of above 90 percent to achieve lasting environmental impact.

It was also encouraging to see children taking the lead in various activities during the launch, delivering strong messages on the importance of tree planting and the dangers of deforestation.

As the IAAM Project, we remain committed to supporting sustainable natural resource management and climate-resilient communities. In addition to Thyolo, we have supported tree planting launches in seven other project districts, reinforcing collective efforts to restore forest cover, improve soil health, and contribute to improved rainfall patterns.

With the forestry season running from 15 December to 20 April, we encourage continued action to ensure high seedling survival rates and long-term environmental restoration.