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Agriculture Reporters
STAKEHOLDERS last week converged in Kadoma for a validation workshop for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which is expected to drive national development with an anticipated economic impact exceeding US$1 billion.
The workshop drew stakeholders from different sectors of the economy who discussed the implications of implementing the Bill that is projected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, foster rural development and promote sustainable food practices.
Director Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department (FARD) under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Milton Makumbe said the workshop was meant to consolidate submissions and validate the draft Bill, ensuring it accurately reflected and addressed the interests, needs and concerns of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
“The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is the cornerstone of our national policy, supporting national development strategies and the sector as a whole. It specifically complements key frameworks that drive Zimbabwe’s development,” he said.
Mr Makumbe said the Bill complemented key development frameworks, including the Agriculture, Food, and Rural Systems Transformation Strategy and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“We have conducted stakeholder consultations across the country on the memorandum of principles, with good representation from women and youth.
“We have consolidated findings and started working on the zero-draft Bill in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office and FAO’s (Food and Agriculture Organisation) legal advisors from Rome,” he said.
He added that with support from the FAO and FISH4ACP programme, stakeholders would work together to create a legislative framework that promotes sustainable development, equity, and prosperity for all stakeholders.
FAO legal officer Dr Buba Bojang said they were working with the Government to boost the tilapia farming industry, focusing on sustainable practices and inclusivity, adding that they had also helped small businesses access markets.
“The comprehensive Value Chain Analysis (VCA) conducted in 2022 highlighted that a harmonised and modern regulatory framework is essential to unlock growth, attract investment, and ensure resilience within the aquaculture sector.
“Responding to this need, FISH4ACP has worked closely with national stakeholders to support the development of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which will create an enabling environment for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, among others,” he said.
Dr Bojang said a comprehensive draft of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill had been developed through collaborative efforts and commended the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department for implementing the legislation.
“The commitment demonstrated by all participants underscores the shared vision of advancing Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector through a sound legal framework that ensures clarity in the governance of the sector. Together, we are laying the foundation for a thriving sector that supports livelihoods, food security and economic growth for years to come. We can confidently say that the potential for sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture has been unlocked,” he said.
Online Reporter