Online Reporter
Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s vision for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable aquaculture sector.
Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector is a growing industry with an ambitious goal of becoming a US$1 billion sector by 2026, aiming for 60 000 metric tonnes of fish production, primarily Nile tilapia and crocodiles.Zimbabwe has over 10 000 dams with potential for fish production.
In a speech read on behalf of FAO Representative for Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla Takoukam by FAO Monitoring and Evaluation Supervisor in Zimbabwe Mr Tendai Mugara at the Launch of Hatchery Management Guidelines in
Bulawayo, he said they were ready to continue their collaboration guided by science, driven by community and anchored in the belief that no one should be left behind.
“Over the past five years, FAO has walked this journey with Zimbabwe from the foundational work of FISH4ACP to the targeted interventions under the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP)/ZIM/3907.
“Together, we have worked on strengthening legal frameworks (through development of Fisheries and aquaculture Bill), organized producers into cluster farmers by providing technical support to the projects under their leadership, enhanced production systems (through building capacity in farming, and enabling access to quality genetics), and building institutional capacity,” he said.
“The launch of these guidelines is a testament to what can be achieved through partnership, persistence and shared purpose. We reaffirm FAO’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s vision for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable aquaculture sector.”
He said the Hatchery Management Guidelines, developed through the Technical Cooperation Programme in close collaboration with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD) of the Ministry, are a direct response to these challenges.
Dr Takoukam said they provide a practical, science-based framework to guide hatchery operations, improve fingerling quality and build a more robust and traceable supply chain.
“But guidelines alone are not enough. Hatchery development requires more than infrastructure. It demands investment, knowledge, skills and coordination.
“That is why FAO is committed to supporting the capacitation of farmers, extension officers and public institutions. We must ensure that hatchery operators are equipped not only with technical know-how but also with the business acumen to thrive in a competitive market,” he added.
“We also recognize that sustainability must be built into the very design of hatchery models. It will be a living classroom, a hub of innovation and a catalyst for private sector engagement. Importantly, this programme is grounded in the principle of inclusivity.”
He said women and youth must not be left behind, while their participation in breeding, hatchery management and the broader aquaculture value chain is essential not only for equity, but for the vitality and resilience of the sector.
In 2021, through the FISH4ACP programme, FAO conducted a comprehensive value chain analysis of Zimbabwe’s tilapia aquaculture sector.
One of the most pressing bottlenecks identified was the limited availability of quality fingerlings.
While the absence of scientifically structured breeding programmes, the risk of inbreeding and the lack of traceability in broodstock have all contributed to a fragile foundation for fish farming.
In 2024, the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) for fisheries and aquaculture was launched in Bulawayo at the tune of US$500 000, to enhance fish breeding and production, running under the theme “Technical support to enhance fish breeding and production in Zimbabwe.”
