Assessing the role of modern supply chain management practices in fish farming towards availability of farmed fish in Lilongwe City (Malawi).

The purpose of this study was to explore supply chain management aspects in Fish Farming, by assessing the role of contemporary supply chain management practises towards increased availability of farmed fish in Lilongwe city. The objective of this study was to assess how adoption of contemporary supply chain management practises in fish farming would lead to increased availability of farmed fish through effective production and distribution of farmed fish. . This study was important because it gives an insight into different supply chain management techniques which can be used by the fish farmers in ensuring effective distribution of fish which will reduce costs and improve services delivery. Through a survey that was carried out with fish farmers, it was established that the post-harvest section of fish farming is still under developed which leads into substantial losses especially during the rainy season. Predominant causes aredue to inability to preserve fish stocks, and lack of key equipment suitable for controlling temperature considering the perishability of fish as well as lack of market orientation which led to failure in identifying stable and reliable markets. The study recommends that the Government and private sector stakeholder groups need to to create a centre which will be responsible for coordinating the fish farmers and the customers. The above mentioned centre will be responsible for market research so that the farmers find reliable and stable fish markets. It also recommends that establishment of farmers association will also help in availability of farmed fish through consolidation of fish quantities at club level and selling them in bulk. This will be particularly important in such a way that it will give the association greater negotiation power when selling their fish products hence more bargaining power on determining fish prices