LingVo.club
📖+30 XP
🎧+20 XP
+35 XP
Modern kilns reduce fish losses at Lake Malawi — Level B1 — brown clay pots on brown soil

Modern kilns reduce fish losses at Lake MalawiCEFR B1

28 Apr 2025

Adapted from Charles Mpaka, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by Black Chitsulo, Unsplash

Level B1 – Intermediate
3 min
155 words

On beaches around Lake Malawi many processors still dry and smoke fish over open, smoky fires. A recent study found high post-harvest losses: 43 per cent at the beach, 54 per cent during processing and 69 per cent during marketing. Traditional smoking requires much firewood, is hard work and can affect health.

With SGCI funding through MalawiĂs National Commission for Science and Technology, researchers started a project in 2024 to reduce losses and support processors. They designed modern enclosed fish-smoking kilns that retain heat, cut smoking time and use less firewood. The design also collects fish oil that can be sold or reused.

The project aims to reach 500 direct beneficiaries in Mangochi and to cut post-harvest losses by 15 per cent while improving kiln adoption by 15 per cent by 2026. Extension worker Ellack Dyton has trained processors in kiln construction, use and safe handling, and early responses have been positive.

Difficult words

  • processorperson who prepares or treats fish for sale
    processors
  • post-harvest lossfood or product lost after capture or harvest
    post-harvest losses
  • smokeuse fire to preserve and add flavour
  • kilnenclosed oven used to dry or smoke food
    kilns
  • firewoodwood burned as fuel for cooking or heating
  • beneficiaryperson or group who receives help or benefits
    beneficiaries
  • adoptionstart to use a new method or technology

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you think the new kilns will improve workers' health? Why or why not?
  • How could collecting fish oil help processors and the local community?
  • What other changes could reduce post-harvest losses for small-scale fishers?

Related articles

Women Forest Guards at Kaziranga — Level B1
3 Nov 2025

Women Forest Guards at Kaziranga

More than 5,000 women serve as frontline forest personnel in India, and many now work as guards at Kaziranga National Park in Assam. They patrol, help communities and rescue animals during floods, after training at a police battalion.

AI and Human Connection — Level B1
13 Feb 2026

AI and Human Connection

AI is changing how people look for emotional connection. A psychology professor says real love needs give and take. Chatbots can provide quick comfort, but they may not replace human care and reciprocity.