Implications of the challenges affecting capacity of fish farmer organizations in Dowa and Mchinji districts in Malawi

This study examines farmers’ perceptions on implications of challenges affecting farmer organizations in promoting fish farming. Data collection comprised face to face interviews and focus group discussions with members of the farmer groups. Key informant interviews with leaders of farmer groups and extension workers were also conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis, critical discourse analysis and descriptive statistics. Results showed that lack of training resulted into members’ inadequate knowledge on appropriate recommendations for organisational development and fish farming practices. It was also observed that inadequate commitment of members resulted due to mismatch between actual benefits and expected benefits from the organizations, laziness of some members and weak leadership. The study has shown lack of trust among members was a result of heterogeneity on various socioeconomic aspects among members. Another study with a larger sample of farmers and farmer organizations should be carried out as a follow-up to this study.