James John Banda, a research scientist, specializing in food science, was awarded a grant of USD 20,000 to optimize the fish value chain in Malawi through improved smoking kilns and stoves. The grant is part of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ARSF3-ECR) program that supports early career researchers to undertake research that builds the resilience of food systems beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fisheries and aquaculture, a significant livelihood source to Malawian smallholders, contribute 70% of the animal protein intake in Malawi. Smoked, dried, and tinned fish are especially popular among smallholder households. But, fish is highly perishable and require proper handling soon after harvest. Cheaper preservation methods, like salting and open sun-drying, often result in substantial losses for the farmers. Compounded with years of environmental degradation, there is a growing interest in improving fish processing in Malawi to address the challenge of high post-harvest losses.

James explains that enhancing fish processing methods is essential to boosting Malawi’s food security, hence his focus on promoting improved fish smoking kilns and Chitofu 3-in-1 stoves. He says the project has the potential to provide healthy and nutritious fish products to millions of people, thus boosting the economy and the livelihoods of Malawi’s smallholders.

“There is no food security without food quality and safety. Ending hunger is about all consumers having access to quality, safe, nutritious, and sufficient food,” says James.

He further explains that the project also aims to build the capacity of fish value chain actors, assess their vulnerability to shocks such as COVID-19, and facilitate market linkages for increased incomes.

James, currently working as a Research Officer in Malawi’s Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, emphasizes the importance of working closely with smallholders. He states that he aims to study and monitor product quality along the value chain. “Consumers are looking for quality products which are crucial to achieving sustainability,” he asserts.

James is one of the candidates participating in the One Planet Fellowship. He points out that he has always wanted to improve his research, which was one of the reasons he applied for the Fellowship. “Through the Fellowship, I hoped to better my research. As researchers, we design smart technologies, and it can be challenging when the technology does not reach its desired audience,” says James. James explains that he intends to use the skills and knowledge he acquired in grant management, implementation, and monitoring of milestones during the science training to improve the outcome of his research.