Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Government has stepped up efforts to transform the fisheries and aquaculture sector into a US$1 billion economic powerhouse through harnessing the untapped potential of the vast inland water bodies.
With over 10 700 dams and lakes underutilised, the sector is projected to become a key driver of job creation, food security and rural development, according to the latest sector outlook report released by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (Fard) in the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has tipped the success of this target on the transformative potential of Zimbabwe’s water resources.
“Zimbabwe’s fisheries economy is a game-changer. Beyond nutrition, this sector can revolutionise transportation, tourism and employment,” he said.
“Our water bodies are not just reservoirs; they are engines for economic growth.”
Director of Fisheries, Mr Milton Makumbe, echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the strategic initiatives already underway.
“We are moving from subsistence fishing to a commercially viable sector. Our programmes, such as the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme and Fish4Schools, are empowering communities while boosting production,” he said.
The sector report outlines significant milestones achieved in 2024, including the expansion of aquaculture projects across the country.
A total of 1 342 fish ponds were stocked nationwide, with Mashonaland East leading in productivity.
The Fish4Schools programme trained 33 schools in aquaculture, while two institutions — Mulezu Agricultural College and Solusi University — were designated as Centres of Excellence.
“This ensures a pipeline of skilled professionals to sustain sector growth,” said Mr Makumbe.
Youth and women empowerment programmes have also shown remarkable success.
Over 4 490 youths were trained in sustainable aquaculture, with near gender parity achieved through 2 490 male and 2 000 female participants.
Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre in Masvingo harvested 450kg of fish, showcasing the potential of youth-led ventures.
The Fish4SHE initiative supported women like the Pamodzi Fisheries group, composed of former sex workers and teenage mothers, by providing them with a 20 metre x 10 metre pond stocked with 2 000 fingerlings.
“These women are now self-sufficient entrepreneurs,” Mr Makumbe said.
Inclusive development initiatives have extended to various vulnerable groups.
The Fish4Pensioners programme trained 232 elderly citizens, while partnerships with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) rehabilitated inmates through aquaculture skills training.
Infrastructure development has also been a priority, with five Government hatcheries refurbished under a FAO-backed Technical Co-operation Programme.
The Makoholi hatchery’s new ponds alone can produce 3,8 million fingerlings annually, addressing critical supply challenges.
Two decentralised fingerling hubs were launched in Masvingo and Manicaland to improve access to quality seed stock.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain.
According to the sector report, the National Aquaculture Frame Survey revealed low youth participation, with only five to six percent of aquafarmers aged 20 and 30, largely due to land and capital constraints.
Input access remains problematic, with farmers in Midlands travelling up to 156 km to buy feed, while fingerling prices show sharp regional variations.
The 2023/24 El Niño drought also exposed the sector’s vulnerability to climate shocks.
To address these issues, the Government is finalising a comprehensive Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill.
“The Bill will integrate sustainability, gender equity, and research-based decision-making,” said Prof Jiri.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the legislative reforms, with Chartwell Tanga of the Zimbabwe Kapenta Producers Association calling for stricter laws against illegal fishing, while Vimbai Dzingirai, Zimbabwe’s only black female crocodile farmer, urged policy reforms to lower entry barriers for women.
With annual production at 32 000 metric tonnes, Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector shows immense potential for growth.
“Collaboration with the private sector has already increased production units by 25 percent. By optimising our water bodies, we will surpass the US$1 billion target,” said Mr Makumbe.
As the nation rallies behind its blue economy, the fisheries and aquaculture sector stands ready to deliver not just food security, but sustainable economic transformation for generations to come. — @nyeve14
