Using a private-sector approach to developing smallholder aquaculture in Northern Zambia

This mixed-method study investigates the impact of a private sector-led approach to developing the smallholder aquaculture sector in the Northern and Luapula Provinces of Zambia. The sample population consisted of 2341 smallholder fish farmers, with data collected from baseline, midterm, and end-line surveys between 2019 and 2022. Midterm evaluation included 83 quantitative interviews and qualitative insights from six focus group discussions, consisting of 184 participants. The end-line evaluation collected quantitative and qualitative data from 214 smallholder farmers to assess achievement of the project’s intended outcomes. The findings indicate that a private sector-led aquaculture development approach improves access to inputs, market connectivity, and productivity. Key policy implications are that governments and donors should catalyse private sector investments in ways that explicitly integrate conditionalities fostering social inclusion and gender equity.