Floating weeds threaten farming and fishing at Malawi’s Chia Lagoon

Floating weeds threaten farming and fishing at Malawi’s Chia Lagoon

A mass of floating weeds at Chia Lagoon, Malawi's largest, is choking out waterways and livelihoods as farmers and fishers struggle to access fields and fishing areas. Seven months after the rainy season ended in Malawi, fields that once absorbed seasonal water at the lagoon are submerged, frustrating irrigated maize and rice production, according to farmers. Fishers also said it's now hard to access fishing grounds as the weeds are blocking boa…