Abigail Luchembe’s Journey in Championing Sustainable Aquaculture – Abigail Luchembe is a passionate Zambian aquaculture expert who has carved a path for herself in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As the youngest child in a family of four, Abigail grew up with the challenges of losing her father at an early age, yet her determination to succeed has propelled her into significant roles within the aquaculture value chain. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Copperbelt University, Abigail has dedicated her career to addressing food security and promoting sustainable practices within her community. Currently serving as a Co-Director and Aquaculture Technician at Gailsea Innovation Ltd, she actively advocates for the empowerment of women in aquaculture while striving to enhance the industry’s contribution to Zambia’s economy. Abigail’s journey showcases her resilience, commitment, and innovative spirit, as she seeks to inspire future generations in the field of aquaculture.
Abigail Luchembe, a Zambian youth, is the youngest in a family of four, including her parents, Alexander Luchembe and Leah Chikasa Luchembe, and her elder brother, Asher Luchembe. After losing her father at the age of five, Abigail was raised by her mother, a teacher, who instilled in her the values of perseverance and education.
Upon completing high school, Abigail pursued her passion for aquaculture at Copperbelt University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture. After graduating in 2015, she launched her career in the aquaculture value chain as a fish farm manager, specializing in pond culture. Her journey progressed as she took on the role of Lake Operations Manager, overseeing the annual production of approximately 220 tons of Nile Tilapia in cages.
Abigail’s expertise led her to join Aller Aqua Zambia as a Sales Technical Advisor, where she managed representatives and trained technical staff across the country on the proper use of fish feed. In August 2020, she co-founded Gailsea Innovation Ltd, an aquaculture consultancy company that empowers women in the industry.
Currently, as a Co-Director and Aquaculture Technician, Abigail advocates for sustainable practices within Zambia’s burgeoning aquaculture sector, which contributes approximately 3.2% to the country’s GDP. Despite being one of the highest producers of farmed Tilapia in Sub-Saharan Africa, the country faces challenges such as high feed prices, limited access to financing, and an underdeveloped value chain.
Abigail’s journey into aquaculture was driven by her curiosity about environmental interactions with fish and her desire to provide sustainable food sources for local communities. With a commitment to continuous learning and community engagement, she works closely with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to foster growth and sustainability in aquaculture practices.
Throughout her career, Abigail has achieved significant milestones, including managing to reduce fish mortality rates in cage production, expanding her consultancy’s reach to over 1,000 SMEs, and gaining recognition as a positive biodiversity enterprise in Zambia.
Abigail’s insights into the challenges faced by women in the industry inspire her advocacy for empowerment and education.
Her experiences highlight the importance of resilience, mentorship, and continuous professional development in overcoming obstacles in aquaculture. Abigail Luchembe stands as a role model for aspiring aquaculturists, particularly young women, demonstrating that with determination and passion, one can make a significant impact in the field.
Abigail Luchembe’s Journey in Championing Sustainable Aquaculture
