In the context of fisheries and aquaculture, the fish trap represents an evolution of existing harvesting methods. Unlike active fishing gear, such as seines, the fish traps require less labor and energy, which makes them very efficient in terms of catch effort. In addition, the fish traps do not physically harm the caught fish, so the fish can be taken out of the trap alive and in good health. Early experiments on partial harvests in aquaculture in Malawi date back to the 1990s, when different tools for intermittent harvest were tested. However, due to the inefficiency and labor-intensity of the methods, there has been no broad application or further developments.

Based on this knowledge, further literature research, and expert discussions, the idea was born to build and test a size-selective fish trap to regularly harvest the juveniles of the initial fish stock. This innovation is thought to control the stocking density, to optimize the use of supplementary feeds, and to not exceed the carrying capacity of the pond. Ideally, a successful application of the fish trap would result in households increasing their overall aquaculture productivity, whilst harvesting small quantities of small fish much more regularly than has been customary in aquaculture to date. The intermittently harvested fish can be consumed within the household or used to generate small amounts of regular income. Meanwhile, the initial fish stock (parent fish) will be grown to a larger size for the final harvest.

In a fish-loving country like Malawi, where fish is the main source of animal protein, but fisheries yields are in decline, great hope and effort is placed in the development of aquaculture. Better access to and regular consumption of fish, which is an important source of protein and essential micronutrients, can make an important contribution to overcoming development challenges. And food insecurity is one of the greatest in terms of public health. Women and children are particularly affected by malnutrition. The expansion and promotion of sustainable aquaculture represents an important approach to meeting a growing demand for fish.

This development requires – among many other aspects – innovations that contribute to successfully mastering challenges in the sector. With a focus on rural aquaculture, the Aquaculture Value Chain for Higher Income and Food Security Project in Malawi (AVCP), part of the Global Programme ‘Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture’ under the special initiative ‘One World – No Hunger’ of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is providing technical training to 4,500 small-scale producers in Malawi. Fish farming helps them improve both income and food security.

One of the common and complex challenges in rural aquaculture is the use of mixed-sex Tilapia fingerlings in low-input systems. This means that farmers only have a limited selection and quantity of agricultural by-products available with which to feed a rapidly growing fish population in the pond. This leads to increasing competition for oxygen and food, which leads to poor growth rates and often an acceleration of sexual maturity. Accordingly, final harvests often consist of rather small fish, which does not meet the widespread expectations of harvesting edible – “plate filling” – fish from aquaculture.

Given the unavailability or prohibitiveness of mono-sex fingerlings, fish feed and aerators in rural aquaculture, the project was challenged to find an alternative solution to improve the productivity of rural aquaculture and its contribution to household nutrition.

Our goal is that our core portfolio of standardized training materials are delivered by female experts recruited from the local region, who we further engage in mentoring and leadership activities. By centering these role models throughout our programming, we provide our participants with a vision of their future careers. We strive to foster an inclusive environment for honest dialogue and encourage ongoing mentorship even after the program concludes. However, the very gender gap we aim to address often presents a challenge when it comes to recruiting female educators and role models for our programs. This situation has helped us to differentiate three leadership roles: “mentors” (female role models, who participate in training and mentorship), “allies” (male trainers and facilitators), and “trainers” (support from international organizing team). Participation of each to these types of individuals is critical to develop and support our participants.

This program aims to equip women with practical skills that are actionable within their local context, enabling them to seize opportunities such as funding and career advancement within their specific regions. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with local partners and host institutions to adapt our core training materials, ensuring they align with local challenges, processes, and institutions. By tailoring our trainings to address the unique needs and contexts of the women we support, we maximize the relevance and impact of our programming. 

In all of our endeavors, we deploy our signature ACTIVE (Access, Connect, Team, Implement, Verify, Evolve) Community Engagement approach. Guided by this community-driven and adaptive approach, we prioritize a deep, holistic understanding of the political, economic, ecological, and cultural factors that shape how each community interacts with and manages its natural resources. This ensures that our conservation efforts are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the community, creating a strong foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions. We begin with preparatory activities, such as introductory meetings and a pastoral livelihoods and management dialogue, which fosters open communication and builds trust. Focusing on understanding the unique governance structures and rangeland management practices already in place, we are able to co-develop management questions and design appropriate monitoring activities. 

This collaboration has been crucial for knowledge exchange and the adaptation of advanced metabarcoding techniques to Lebanon. The Smithsonian team provided best practices on implementing DNA-based methods in ecological studies and offered expert advice on selecting the most suitable tools and instruments for metabarcoding analysis. This partnership has strengthened the scientific foundation of our project and ensured that our approach aligns with international standards.

The building blocks of NoArk's solution are interconnected to create a comprehensive, efficient system for conservation and environmental management. Bio-acoustic and chemical sensors collect critical ecological data, while Edge AI processing ensures rapid, on-site analysis, enabling immediate detection and response. These components are supported by LoRaWAN connectivity, which facilitates reliable, long-range communication in remote areas. The processed data is centralized on the PAMS dashboard, where it is visualized and analyzed for actionable insights, fostering better decision-making.

This system is strengthened by hyperlocal climate data, which enhances precision in risk assessments and planning. Finally, community and stakeholder engagement ensures the data and tools are effectively utilized, promoting collaboration and adaptability. Together, these elements form an integrated solution that empowers conservation efforts, addresses ecological threats, and supports sustainable development.

Through the Tunas Scholarship program and conservation education initiatives, HARPA builds long-term community support for conservation. This approach connects conservation with education and local development, ensuring sustainable impact through community involvement.

HARPA collaborates with specialized conservation NGOs who serve as expert implementers in their respective fields. Each NGO partner is carefully selected based on their expertise and track record. This framework enables effective program implementation while ensuring professional conservation standards are met.

HARPA leverages Kitabisa.org's digital platform to connect multiple funding sources (public donors and corporate partners) with conservation NGOs. The system enables transparent fund distribution, real-time tracking, and impact reporting. This approach ensures sustainable funding for conservation programs while maintaining accountability to all stakeholders.