Smart-Aqua Project

Participant group dynamics training at Kawjo Farm, M’bwatalika, April 2025

Project date: November 2024 – September 2025 

Location: Senior Chief M’bwatalika

Investment: 55,595,512  MK

Number of Participants (or farmers): 35 young women and 15 young men (aged 8-34)

Project Description:

The Smart-Aqua project is an applied training and skill development program for vulnerable young people at Kawjo Foundation’s field school and fish pond demonstration site in Mbwatalika. Students will learn the following:

  • Climate-smart integrated aquaculture and agriculture land use, which incorporates fish rearing (Tilapia), crop generation (onions, bananas, tomatoes, and green peppers)
  • Development and construction of two greenhouses – one for pond-based fish farming and one for vegetables
  • Business development, management, and entrepreneurship skills including training on how to apply, secure, and manage Village Savings and Loans (VSLs) 
  • Waste management or the recycling of waste
  • Group dynamics and GESI 

Project Team:

Project Officer: Hephzibah Hermes (BSc in aquaculture and fisheries; Msc in aquaculture and fisheries – in progress)

Executive Director: Zione Makawa Chawalika (MSc in aquaculture)

Project Partners:

WUSC (World University Service of Canada) – Education Changes the World 

Government of Canada