admin
Theseus Shambare
AS the push to boost food and nutrition security continues to gain traction, the Government is rolling out various initiatives to ensure fish production rises to at least 60 000 tonnes per year from the 30 000 tonnes recorded in recent times.
National consumption demand currently stands at 59 600 tonnes annually.
Boasting approximately 10 000 dams, the country has abundant natural resources with the potential to meet the nutritional needs of people, yet the country’s per capita fish consumption remains low at just 3, 2 kilogrammes compared to the SADC average of six kilogrammes.
To address this anomaly, the Government, through the Fish for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (FISH4ACP) programme funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has since started running awareness campaigns to conscientise the population on the important role of fish in nutrition security.
The Government’s intentions were revealed during the inaugural Zimbabwe Fish Fair held in Harare recently. It was running under the theme: “Eat Fish Twice a Week.” It is now expected to be celebrated annually.
Officially launching the event, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the theme was “more than a slogan – it was a call to action.”
“Fish is a rich source of essential nutrients that can significantly improve nutrition, combat malnutrition and promote good health. Our country’s fish output averages 33 000 tonnes every year yet demand is estimated at 60 000 tonnes annually.
“This disparity presents an opportunity for our farmers, entrepreneurs and communities to come together and build a thriving aquaculture industry,” said Dep Min Marapira.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has since committed to support Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector.
“FAO remains steadfast in its support for Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector, ensuring that initiatives led by the Government create lasting impacts.
“Together, we can transform aquatic food systems into vibrant, sustainable engines for economic growth, improved nutrition and environmental resilience,” FAO sub regional coordinator for Southern Africa, Dr Patrice Talla said.
Zimbabwe Fisheries Association chairperson Garikai Munatsirei said the country was set to transform if the programmes laid were embraced.
“Various programmes underway right now in Zimbabwe that include the Fish4ACP programme, Command Fisheries, the Agricultural Food Systems Transformation Strategy are set to increase contribution of the fisheries sector and are targeting all 35 000 villages in Zimbabwe.
“All these programmes overlaid on a sound governance system should increase fish production in Zimbabwe to over 60 000 tonnes per year,” said Munatsirei.
The Fish Fair saw industry stakeholders come together, discuss challenges, interact with government representatives and explore issues on production, markets, raw materials, equipment, education, technology and survival strategies for the industry.
Hundreds of people from all walks of life had a rare opportunity to taste roasted fish for free as well as tour exhibitions from producers, retailers and suppliers.
Globally, more than 3, 1 billion people rely on fish for at least 20 percent of their total animal protein intake and an additional 1, 3 billion depend on it for 15 percent of their needs.
Currently, Zimbabwe imports over 20 000 tonnes of fish mainly from Namibia (mackerel, sprats, assorted seafood) and increasingly bream from Zambia estimated at 2 000 tonnes in 2024.
Online Reporter