By introducing fish-farming to 1,200 households in Malawi, researchers with the Worldfish Center have improved the health and income of families affected by HIV/AIDS.

The project, which has been in effect for five years, involves digging 2,000 square-foot ponds on farmers’ property. Once stocked with tilapia, the ponds become a viable food source—they have thus far reduced childhood malnutrition in the region by 30 percent—as well as an easy-to-maintain way to generate revenue.

The project will soon be expanded to around 26,000 households throughout Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.