At 24, Msekiwa Matsimbe may be lean on professional experience, but her refreshing vision and enthusiasm for aquaculture inspire even her most seasoned colleagues.
Fish contribute more than 75 percent of people’s protein source in landlocked Malawi. Fishing plays a critical role in the economy and is the main livelihood for people residing along the shores of Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa and eighth largest in the world. Lake Malawi has the most diverse fish species in the world. Matsimbe is currently conducting research for her MSc, assessing the effect of land use and cover change on species diversity in the lake’s tributary rivers. The project results will inform a government management strategy to increase yield and help prevent overfishing.
Fish can supply the protein that women and children need to prevent diseases caused by proteindeficiency, says Matsimbe, who wants to help rural families better understand the dietary benefits of fish.
Field of Research
I want to increase women’s participation in aquaculture and fisheries to improve livelihoods in Malawi.