Darlington Besa

Darlington Besa is a senior aquaculture and fisheries professional with over 12 years of progressive experience in research, policy, and implementation within Zambia’s aquaculture sector. He currently serves as a Senior Aquaculture Research Officer at the Aquaculture Research Institute of Zambia (ARIZ)under the Department of Fisheries, where he leads the Molecular Biology and Food Safety Laboratories.  He leads work in fish breeding, genomics, limnology, and fish nutrition to strengthen sustainable and welfare-centered aquaculture systems.

Darlington holds a Joint International Master’s Degree in Environmental Science (Limnology and Wetland Management) from BOKU Vienna, Egerton University, and IHE Delft, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Copperbelt University. His research background spans population genetics of Oreochromis species, selective breeding, food safety, and aquatic ecosystem management, with hands-on field experience across Zambia’s major freshwater systems. His work reflects a strong commitment to improving fish welfare, productivity, and resilience while advancing food security and market competitiveness across Africa. 

As an AFIWEL Fellow for Zambia (2025 Cohort) under the One Health and Development Initiative, Darlington played a central role in translating fish welfare principles into national practice. He led the integration of aquatic animal welfare into national aquaculture sustainability objectives, convened Zambia’s national AFIWEL inception and action planning workshop, and coordinated multi-sectoral engagement involving government, academia, the private sector, and media. He also spearheaded the development of the Fish Welfare Training Guide for Zambia, providing a practical framework for farmers and extension agents, and supported the establishment of the national AFIWEL SAFE Committee to guide governance and implementation.

His work is driven by a passion for advancing sustainable aquaculture practices and integrating fish welfare into production systems. He remains dedicated to enhancing the quality, sustainability, and resilience of aquaculture in Zambia and beyond.