Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S aquaculture sector has recorded a 24 percent increase in fish production to 33 710,12 metric tonnes in the 2025/26 production season, with the Government stepping up efforts to strengthen biosecurity and environmental management practices to sustain the industry’s rapid expansion.
The growth comes as the number of active fish farmers has increased to 8 663, up from 4 803 recorded in the 2024/25 National Aquaculture Frame Survey, reflecting growing confidence in fish farming as a viable business enterprise.
Livestock and Fisheries Production Department director Mr Milton Makumbe said the sector was increasingly contributing to food and nutrition security, employment creation, income generation and climate-resilient livelihoods.
He was speaking at the launch of the Manual on Biosecurity for Small-Scale Fish Farmers in Zimbabwe and the Environmental Guidelines for Small-Scale Fish Farms.
“These are more than technical publications. They are practical tools designed to improve farm productivity, protect farmer investments, safeguard aquatic ecosystems, and promote responsible aquaculture development across the country,” he said.
Mr Makumbe said the industry had also recorded a 129 percent increase in fish ponds over the past year, illustrating the rapid expansion of production infrastructure at community and commercial levels.
The growth has been supported by Government interventions and strategic partnerships, including the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, which has increased fish production and catches in stocked dams across the country.
The establishment of Village Business Units, Youth Business Units and School Business Units has further expanded participation in aquaculture, creating livelihood and learning opportunities for communities.
However, the rapid growth has also exposed gaps in farm management practices, particularly in disease prevention and environmental protection, which could threaten the sustainability of production.
Mr Makumbe said a pilot survey on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in aquaculture had revealed that more than 80 percent of fish farmers were not implementing any biosecurity measures on their farms.
“This is a matter of concern. Without adequate biosecurity, farmers remain vulnerable to disease outbreaks, production losses and reduced profitability,” he said.
The findings were reinforced by the National Aquaculture Frame Survey, conducted in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) under the FISH4ACP Programme.
The survey provided critical insights into the structure and performance of Zimbabwe’s aquaculture industry, strengthening the evidence base for planning, investment and policy development while indicating gaps in farm management.
Mr Makumbe said the new publications were designed to address these challenges by equipping fish farmers with practical knowledge on disease prevention, fish health management and farm risk reduction.
The Manual on Biosecurity for Small-Scale Fish Farmers in Zimbabwe provides guidance on measures to prevent disease outbreaks and protect fish stocks, while the Environmental Guidelines promote responsible production practices that safeguard water resources and aquatic ecosystems.
“Together, these publications provide a framework for building a productive, resilient and sustainable aquaculture sector,” he said.
He said biosecurity should be viewed as an investment rather than an additional cost, as healthy fish and production systems were fundamental to improving farm productivity and profitability.
“Biosecurity should not be viewed as an additional cost. It is an investment that enhances productivity, profitability and sustainability.
Healthy fish, healthy production systems and healthy ecosystems are fundamental to the continued growth of our fisheries and aquaculture sector,” he said.
The Government, through the Livestock and Fisheries Production Department, would support the dissemination and implementation of the guidelines through strengthened extension services, farmer training and technical support.
Mr Makumbe, however, said the success of the publications would depend on their adoption at farm level.
“However, real change will only occur when the knowledge contained in these publications is translated into action at farm level.
“I therefore call upon our sister Ministries and Government Departments, fish farmers, extension personnel, development partners and private sector players to embrace these guidelines and work together to promote good aquaculture practices across Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe’s expanding aquaculture industry is increasingly positioned as a source of rural enterprise, employment and food production, with improved farm management expected to help protect investments and sustain the sector’s growth momentum.
