NEW: Govt, FAO partner to strengthen community leadership to achieve US$1 billion fish sector

Malven Mugadzikwa in MUTARE

PLAYERS in the fisheries and aquaculture sector will converge in Mutare this week as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to grow the sector to US$1 billion by 2026.

The two-day hybrid workshop, running from September 2 to 3, 2025, will validate the Farmed Tilapia Value Chain Inclusion Toolkit and strengthen leadership capacity among community trainers.

Organised under the global FISH4ACP programme, led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, the workshop will bring together participants from Government ministries, civil society organisations, private players and aquaculture farmers.

FAO subregional coordinator for Southern Africa and representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla, said the initiative was central to building an inclusive and resilient fisheries economy.

“By validating the Tilapia Value Chain Inclusion Toolkit and investing in grassroots leadership, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth that leaves no one behind,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector has recorded steady growth, with national output jumping from just 18 000 tonnes in the past five years to about 31 000 tonnes annually, though demand remains around 60 000 tonnes.

To bridge this gap, Government and partners are investing in hatchery expansion in Matobo, Makoholi and other centres, while establishing fingerling distribution hubs and promoting low-cost feed alternatives.

Blessing Mapfumo of AQUAZIM, one of the partners in developing the toolkit, said the document was shaped by communities themselves.

“The development of this Inclusion Toolkit is a product of deep collaboration and grassroots engagement. It reflects the voices and realities of women, youth and marginalised groups in aquaculture.

“As AQUAZIM, we are proud to have contributed to a resource that not only informs policy but also empowers communities to lead change from the ground upwards,” she said.

The toolkit also recognises the importance of bringing marginalised groups into the mainstream of aquaculture development.

“For too long, people with disabilities and other marginalised communities have been excluded from meaningful participation in aquaculture development. This toolkit is a game-changer; it recognises our potential and provides practical pathways for inclusion,” said Johane Marufu from the Zimbabwe Sports Association for People with Disabilities.

Day one of the workshop will focus on presenting and validating the draft toolkit. Developed through fieldwork, literature reviews and participatory consultations, the toolkit is designed to enhance the participation of women, youth and marginalised groups. Participants will review the modules, share experiences and provide feedback to strengthen its practical application.

Day two will turn to capacity building through a Training of Trainers exercise, where more than 15 selected trainers, including extension agents and cluster leads, will be equipped with leadership and assertiveness skills to support community-level implementation.

Through these interactive sessions and practical exercises, Zimbabwe aims to prepare a cadre of empowered trainers capable of driving inclusive aquaculture development — ensuring the country stays on course to achieve its US$1 billion fisheries economy vision.