Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE kapenta fishing industry is on the verge of a transformational revival, largely driven by a significant increase in water levels in the expansive Lake Kariba.
Thousands of families from Zimbabwe and Zambia were in a fix due to climate change and unregulated fishing methods.
The two nations share the world’s largest man-made lake.
With the dam levels increasing gradually, hope for a brighter future has been ignited as the Second Republic committed support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa toured some of the 23 kapenta fishing cooperatives in Kariba last week, where she assured financial support and a relook into the policies and taxes hindering productivity.
She engaged members of cooperatives who openly relayed their challenges and aspirations.
“I conducted a comprehensive assessment tour here in Kariba, where I visited numerous housing cooperatives that are positively impacting the lives of over 200 individuals,” she said reflecting on her direct interactions with the community.
“Moreover, I had frank discussions with stakeholders in the fishing industry, who candidly shared their struggles. As a Government, we are unwavering in our commitment to endorse sustainable practices, which include fostering collaboration with our neighbours in Zambia.
“Together, we must ensure the conservation and fair management of our shared water resources in light of the ongoing ramifications of climate change,” she added.
There was a rising chorus of calls for necessary policy reforms aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the fishing industry.
Cooperatives advocated for measures that will ensure the viability of their profession for future generations, underscoring the need for responsible resource management.
They were confident that the Government would address several operational concerns such as exorbitant licencing fees, multifarious levies, and the urgent need for greater regulatory transparency.
“We are genuinely encouraged by the rising water levels in the lake, signalling a potential for better harvests shortly,” Mr Besters Munakira, local fishermen, said.
“Nonetheless, our sector needs to express its challenges to the minister, particularly concerning the high operating costs and inflated fishing licence fees.
“These financial strains necessitate prompt review and reform to cultivate a more equitable environment for all fishermen, ensuring fairness and sustainability in our operations.”
The concerned fishermen bemoaned low revenue as a result of intriguing patterns connected to their fishing yields which has seen many failing to acquire new fishing rigs.
“Following our customary break during the full moon week, we’ve experienced a notable uptick in our catches,” Mr Chartwell Tanga said.
“We are advocating for a prolonged hiatus, preferably extending to a month, to further increase our kapenta population, which is vital for our livelihoods and the economic stability of our families.”
The cross-border cooperation has emerged as a significant concern among local fishermen as well as rising discrepancies between the number of fishing rigs operating in Zimbabwe compared to those in Zambia.
“We conveyed to the minister the crucial need for dialogue with our Zambian counterparts regarding sustainable harvesting practices.
“Currently, the Zambian side operates over 2 000 fishing rigs, while we only have 500,” another fisherman said.
“It’s essential that the two nations forge a collaborative and mutually beneficial approach, considering we depend on the same water body to sustain our means of livelihood.”
Sen Mutsvangwa assured the cooperatives of the Government’s commitment to engage Zambia to find a lasting solution to the challenge raised.
