Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwean Government has embarked on a landmark journey to strengthen the country’s fisheries and aquaculture industry through the development of a comprehensive new bill.
The legislation aims to consolidate all aquaculture and fisheries-related regulations into a single, coherent legal framework, promoting strict compliance and reducing unnecessary regulatory costs.
Speaking at the stakeholder consultation workshop in Bulawayo today, the Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Zimbabwe, Mr Milton Tinashe Makumbe, said the initiative will create a more enabling environment that fosters sector growth, enhances the ease of doing business for fish farmers and investors, and significantly contributes to national food security, economic growth, and rural livelihoods. Zimbabwe is endowed with over 10 000 dams, offering vast potential for fisheries and aquaculture development.
However, challenges such as a lack of clear regulatory frameworks, limited investment, and high compliance costs have hindered the sector’s growth. The new bill is expected to address these challenges and establish an environment that maximises the sustainable use of Zimbabwe’s water resources. The Government has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) under the FISH4ACP programme to ensure the success of this initiative.
The FISH4ACP programme, which aims to upgrade the tilapia value chain with a focus on small-scale fish farmers and value chain actors, has been instrumental in supporting Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The programme’s inclusive approach ensures that all actors in the value chain are involved, with special attention given to gender and social inclusivity.
The development of the new bill is a significant step towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which calls for bold, transformational change to create a world that is more inclusive, fair, sustainable, and resilient.
With the support of the FAO and the FISH4ACP programme, Zimbabwe is poised to make significant strides in its fisheries and aquaculture industry, ultimately contributing to a better future for its citizens. Let us adopt and adapt to the changing environments in the fisheries and aquaculture industry.
The event in Bulawayo follows similar consultations already conducted in Nyanga, with plans to move to Kariba next. In attendance are fish farmers and other stakeholders who are discussing the principles guiding the establishment of this new bill.
