Key Messages • Small-scale aquaculture has potential to improve food security in Malawi and contribute to rural livelihoods as a source of income. • Small-scale fish farmers are impeded by a lack of access to high quality feed, fingerlings, relevant aquaculture extension services, and well-structured output markets, and are also affected by climate change. • Promising areas for investment in small-scale aquaculture therefore include improving access to high quality fish feed through domestic production, training certified hatchery operators, facilitating access to formal fish markets, and developing guidelines for cage farming.