Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
Strategic partnerships can significantly boost aquaculture production by providing producers with access to cutting-edge technology, enabling them to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability of the sector.
This comes as the aquaculture industry is poised for significant growth.
The country is currently producing around 32 000 tonnes of fish annually and has an ambitious target to reach 60 000 tonnes in the near future.
Addressing participants at the launch of the FinFish Feeds–Aller Aqua partnership in Harare on Tuesday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Davis Marapira said the sector mainly focused on tilapia and crocodiles and was facing a challenge on feed costs, which account for nearly 70 percent of production expenses.
The collaboration brings together FinFish Suppliers, a local company working to establish a high-tech feed plant and Aller Aqua of Denmark, one of the world’s leading fish feed manufacturers operating in over 70 countries.
This is expected to improve feed availability, reduce import dependency, and promote local value addition,” he said.
“Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors.
‘‘It supports food security, creates jobs and generates income for rural communities.
“Partnerships like FinFish and Aller Aqua bring the right expertise and technology to help our farmers grow efficiently and sustainably,” he said.
Deputy Minister Marapira said aquaculture growth hinged on collaborative efforts that enhance access to high-quality inputs, boost farmer capabilities and unlock new markets both locally and internationally.
The ministry’s Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources deputy director, Mr Milton Makumbe, said the sector was generating employment and sustainable livelihoods across the entire value chain, from hatcheries and feed production to harvesting and processing.
“By working together, we are building a resilient, inclusive and competitive aquaculture industry, one that contributes meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and food security.
“This growth is creating fresh opportunities for youth and women, especially in rural communities,” he said.
The country is poised to reach its US$1 billion goal in fisheries and aquaculture, driven by efforts to diversify farmed species beyond tilapia and crocodiles to include catfish and trout, strengthen value chains through investment and innovation and promote sustainable farming practices.
FinFish Suppliers director and chief executive, Mr Tinashe Chihota, said the company intended to establish a 30 000 tonne feed plant in Zimbabwe, projected to generate substantial job opportunities and increase access to affordable, competitive fish feed for local farmers.
The Business Development director, Mr Charles Satande, described the partnership as a game-changer that would empower farmers with reliable and efficient feed solutions for stronger returns.
Through strong public–private partnerships, Zimbabwe is laying the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive aquaculture economy that benefits farmers, communities and the nation as a whole.
Peter Tanyanyiwa