Online Reporter
Malven Mugadzikwa in MUTARE
EVIDENCE-BASED interventions, capacity building and infrastructure development are key pillars that can ensure Zimbabwe achieves sustainable growth in the fisheries value chain.
These sentiments were made today in Mutare as a two-day hybrid workshop to validate the Farmed Tilapia Value Chain Inclusion Toolkit kicked off, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reaffirming its commitment to supporting the country’s aquaculture sector.
Speaking on behalf of FAO subregional coordinator for Southern Africa and representative to Zimbabwe Dr Patrice Talla, Fish4 ACP’s project coordinator Mr Paul Mwera said the organisation was working closely with Government and development partners to tackle long-standing bottlenecks in the fisheries value chain.
He stressed that the establishment of a cold chain facility for the fish industry would be a game-changer in addressing challenges around fish marketing and management.
Mr Mwera said Manicaland province had the largest concentration of fish farmers in Zimbabwe, with more than 2 000 registered.
This, he said, made the province a natural hub for pilot programmes aimed at boosting production and improving market access.
“Working together with FARD, FAO has piloted alternative feeds in Honde Valley and Mutasa and established a fingerling hub in Honde Valley and Masvingo to address the supply challenge.
“Through Aquaculture Zimbabwe, farmers have also been trained in best aquaculture practices here in Manicaland, while Chinhoyi University of Technology is set to roll out certified aquaculture business training,” he said.
He further noted that the initiative was supported by the European Union and Germany’s BMZ under the FISH4ACP programme, an OACPS-led effort promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Implemented by FAO and partners, the programme aims to boost food security, jobs and economic growth through inclusive value chains.
Mr Mwera also raised concern over the growing challenge of disease management as aquaculture expands, revealing that FAO was assisting Government in developing guidelines for biosecurity and environmental management.
He underlined that the FAO Strategic Framework (2022–2031) was aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals and sought to promote “more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind”.
He also recalled that in July 2024, stakeholders under the PROFISHBLUE programme met in Kariba to develop a regional Blue Economy strategy and investment plan for Lake Kariba, underscoring the critical role fisheries play in food security, trade and employment.
Mr Mwera acknowledged the Government and Manicaland provincial leadership for championing fish farming, as well as partners who continue to invest in the country’s aquaculture sector.
Online Reporter