Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
AMID efforts to address Zimbabwe’s limited domestic fish production, the Midlands State University (MSU) has outlined plans for a large-scale aquaculture and fisheries project at Pitscottie Dam aimed at improving food security and expanding commercial farming.
The initiative supports the Presidential Fisheries Scheme, a flagship programme behind the country’s ambition to establish a US$1 billion fish and aquaculture sector by 2030.
The planned fish project comes as Government seeks to expand domestic fish production and reduce the disparity between demand and local supply.
MSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Victor Muzvidziwa, announced the project during the university’s graduation ceremony at the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School Kwekwe Campus on Thursday, presided over by President Mnangagwa.
He said the project is a direct response to Government’s call to build the US$1 billion industry by 2030 under NDS2.
The Presidential Fisheries Scheme is also driving the establishment of fish ponds in villages, schools and wards, two ponds per site, to improve household protein access and stimulate rural commerce.
Prof Muzvidziwa said the university’s project would contribute to both commercial output and community engagement.
“In terms of community engagement and commercialisation, the university intends to roll out an ambitious aquaculture and fisheries project at our Pitscottie Dam,” he said.
“This project positions the university to help close a significant supply deficit and contribute towards closing Zimbabwe’s annual protein gap and improving food security.”
Zimbabwe’s annual fish consumption is estimated at between 85 000 and 95 000 tonnes, while domestic production ranges between 25 000 and 40 000 tonnes.
The Pitscottie Dam project in Kwekwe forms part of MSU’s wider focus on enterprise development, food security and institutional self-sufficiency.
The Vice-Chancellor said the institution would continue leveraging its resources and academic expertise to support national development priorities.
“This project positions the university to help close a significant supply deficit and contribute to closing Zimbabwe’s protein gap,” Prof Muzvidziwa said.
He added that the initiative forms part of MSU’s wider focus on enterprise development, food security and institutional self-sufficiency.
Prof Muzvidziwa said the university will continue commercialising its resources to support communities and the economy.
“MSU would continue leveraging its resources and academic expertise to support national development priorities,” he said.
Prof Muzvidziwa said the university would also continue strengthening its relationship with alumni, whom he described as lifelong ambassadors and strategic partners in advancing the institution’s vision.
He said the inaugural MSU Alumni Reunion and Business Expo held in March had helped reconnect graduates from different generations, while an alumni portal had also been launched to facilitate ongoing engagement.
On gender equity and inclusion, Prof Muzvidziwa noted that 55 percent of the graduates were female.
He added that the university had mainstreamed gender considerations into curriculum development, institutional planning and policy formulation.
He said MSU’s anti-sexual harassment policy was supported by reporting procedures and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting a safe teaching, learning and working environment.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa capped 7 888 graduands at the ceremony, with females accounting for 55 percent and males 45 percent.
The graduation was held under the theme: “Knowledge, Innovation, Enterprise: Building a Self-sufficient Zimbabwe.”
