Aquaculture Policy Analysis Through Stakeholders’ Perception in Malawi

Abstract

Abstract The chapter investigates stakeholders’ perceptions of policy changes implemented to spur aquaculture production in Malawi and to determine if these policies generate intended outcomes. Despite its long history dating back to the 1950s, aquaculture production has failed to bridge the gap between fish supply and demand. Several policy changes and initiatives have been implemented to spur aquaculture production, such as genetic improvement programmes for indigenous fish species and the removal of taxes on fish feed imports and machinery for manufacturing fish feed. The study reveals that these efforts have created conflicting expectations among stakeholders. Among others, while farmers welcomed tax removal on fish feed imports as this would increase availability on the local market, local feed producers were afraid that cheap feed imports would kill the domestic feed manufacturing industry. The study recommends that aquaculture policies should not have opposing goals and should take into account aspirations of all stakeholders.