From Nets to Boutiques: Islanders Diversify Their Businesses

The District Commissioner for Likoma Island Abubakar Nkhoma has commended COMSIP for its impactful livelihood initiatives under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP).

During a courtesy call by a visiting COMSIP team, the DC praised COMSIP's efforts, noting that the project's mindset transformational trainings and Savings groups, have been a lifeline for the Island's fishing communities, who have been struggling with low fish catches in Lake Malawi.

“As you know, Likoma is a fishing district, and the fish business is not as it used to be, with low returns affecting those who rely on fishing for their livelihoods,” said the DC.

“However, I’ve noted that those in COMSIP’s Savings and Loan groups are resilient and have opted to pursue other business ventures like trading because they have ready capital and easily access loans from their savings groups.”

Nkhoma encouraged COMSIP to expand its reach to benefit more islanders. “I call upon COMSIP to increase the number of beneficiaries in its Savings and Loan groups so that more can benefit on the island,” he said.

One success story is Winnie Banda, a 32-year-old entrepreneur who transitioned from selling fresh fish to running a thriving beauty store, Aunt Winnie Boutique. With a loan from her COMSIP group, Winnie diversified her business, adding merchandise like hair extensions and jewelry.

“I did the fish business for some time, but it became too expensive to buy fish here, and that’s when I changed to a boutique business,” Winnie said. “Because of its scarcity, fish prices are very high now rendering the business unreliable. I’m now focused on the boutique and intend to expand into thrift business so that I can have a reliable business,” said Winnie.

COMSIP’s Project Coordinator, Lloyd Ngwira, emphasized the organization’s commitment to enhancing livelihoods on the island. “COMSIP is committed to enhancing the livelihoods of its members on the island, hence it is bringing packages of the Livelihoods Support Programme like the Youth Skills Challenge Support, Joint Skills Groups, and Graduation Pilot among others,” he said.

“With the coming in of these packages, the impact of the programme on the people of the island will double, and result in lucrative businesses that will cushion them from the impact of climate change.”

Currently, Likoma Island has 1,024 members in 90 COMSIP Savings and Loan Groups, from the Climate Smart – Enhanced Public Works Programme with cumulative savings of 38.3 million Kwacha. These groups provide vital capital for members to borrow and grow their businesses.

COMSIP Cooperative Union is implementing the Livelihood Support Programme, a core sub-component of the SSRLP, under the pillar of Improving Social and Economic Inclusion, with support from the World Bank, and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.