tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has unveiled US$10 million towards aquaculture and fisheries development to seven countries, including Zimbabwe, as part of the bloc’s efforts to boost food and nutritional security.
The programmes are also meant to boost income generation within rural communities.
Through the project, dubbed the Multinational Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors in SADC Region (PROFISHBLUE), member states are expected to sustainably develop and coordinate the fisheries sector.
Speaking during his courtesy call on Permanent Secretary of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr John Basera, SADC PROFISHBLUE project manager Dr Alexander Kefi, said the main goal of the project is to ensure intra-regional trade and build adaptive capacity against climate change and other external shocks.
“The total cost for the project is US$10,14 million with potential co-financing from GEF International Waters and Blue Economy financing window,” he said.
“The funding will provide business development services, accelerator, and incubation or investment support for women and youth SMEs in fish trade and eco-tourism.”
Added Dr Kefi:
“In Zimbabwe, we are looking at Lake Kariba as part of the two water bodies we will be implementing the project on.
“It is a programme where we are going to harness the capacity and growth of the fisheries and aquaculture sector within the region and therefore also help to build a market for the product.”
Dr Basera said the regional programme will complement the current national drive and focus on the fisheries and aquaculture sector, which dovetails with rural industrialisation under Vision 2030.
“We appreciate the efforts that have been developed by SADC and we acknowledge this will have a great effect on our fish production capacity.
“Over and above this is a project with a lot of potential that can also be directed to other water bodies in our country such as Lake Mutirikwi, Lake Tugwi Mukosi, and the upcoming Lake Gwayi-Shangani,” he said.
Online Reporter