Women in Aquculture: Meet Ms. Abigail Luchembe

Driven by a passion for sustainable food production and a desire to forge a path beyond traditional career norms, Ambigail has dedicated her work to empowering smallholder farmers and advancing environmentally conscious aquaculture practices. In this interview, she shares her journey into aquaculture, her proudest achievements, and offers insightful advice to young women aspiring to enter the field. What inspired you to pursue a career in aquaculture? 

My interest in aquaculture was driven by a passion for sustainable food production and a desire to contribute positively to environmental conservation. I also sought to differentiate myself from traditional career paths prevalent in my country, such as education, medicine, and law.

During my undergraduate application process, I conducted a research on aquaculture, which sparked a deeper curiosity and fascination with the field. This initial exploration not only broadened my understanding of aquaculture but also solidified my commitment to pursuing a career that aligns with my values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

What is your current role, and what does a typical day look like for you?

As co-director of Gailsea Innovation Ltd, my days are filled with a mix of strategic planning, operational oversight, and industry insight. I start each morning with a moment of reflection through prayer and morning devotion, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

Next, I read my emails, responding to any urgent messages that require my attention. I also make it a point to check LinkedIn just to stay informed about the latest global developments in our sector.

To ensure I am on track to meet our goals, I review my weekly schedule, assessing progress on ongoing activities, identifying areas for improvement, and prioritizing tasks for the day. This routine helps me stay focused, productive, and aligned with our company's mission.

What has been your proudest achievement in aquaculture so far?

In partnership with Zambika Aqua Farm, we successfully implemented a community outreach program targeting smallholder fish farmers in Kafue, funded by the European Union and implemented by Self Help Africa and Imani Development. The project reached over 1,000 SMEs, with 496 women actively participating.

Addressing key challenges faced by local farmers such as access to quality fingerlings, technical expertise, high fish feed costs and market due to poor harvests and fish quality, we provided:

• Credit-based supply of fingerlings from Zambika Aqua Farm

• Training sessions on sustainable production management practices

• Regular farm visits by field officers offering extension services

• Guaranteed market access for fish farmers' products, enhancing income generation and economic empowerment.

  
  

This holistic approach aimed to mitigate the constraints faced by smallholder fish farmers, promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in the Kafue.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in aquaculture?

1. Always pursue your passion

2. Aquaculture is a field that heavily relies on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Focus on building a solid understanding of these elements .

3. Gaining practical experience is the best teacher. Internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs in aquaculture or related fields can provide valuable hands-on experience.

4. Stay curious and keep learning. The sector is constantly evolving, so be updated on the latest happenings in the industry.

5. Develop resilience and perseverance.Never entertain words such as it can’t work and it is impossible because where there is a will, there definitely will be a way.

6. Find mentors and support networks from experienced professionals, join industry organizations, or connect with women's groups in aquaculture to build a supportive network.

7. Finally, believe in yourself and celebrate any achievements/ accomplishments no matter how small they may seem.