Aquaculture practitioners at a fishpond close to their farmhouse
©FAO
Harare –
Thanks to the Global Aquatic Value Chain Development Programme FISH4ACP, Zimbabwe has taken a major step forward by implementing the nation’s inaugural Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill. This pivotal piece of legislation is set to transform the country’s fishing and fish farming industry.
The creation of the bill was managed by FISH4ACP, an OACPS acara executed by FAO with support from the EU and BMZ.
“The legislation offers a thorough and unified regulatory structure that marks a significant shift for Zimbabwe’s fishing and fish farming industry. This bill was developed under the FAO’s FISH4ACP program and involved substantial collaboration with various stakeholders nationwide,” stated Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.
Significant emphasis was placed on involving women and young people to ensure broad inclusion. The comprehensive input gathered from nationwide discussions formed the basis of the initial draft prepared through detailed talks with officials at the Attorney General’s office and specialists from the FAO.
In 2022, FISH4ACP carried out an assessment of the aquaculture value chain in Zimbabwe, determining that improvements in the policy and legal frameworks were essential catalysts for unlocking growth within the country’s aquaculture industry.
“This legislation will be transformative as it simplifies rules, encourages environmentally friendly methods, and boosts progress within the sector. I believe this presents an opportunity to foster new prospects for economic advancement, ensure food stability, and generate employment,” stated Milton Makumbe, who leads the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Division at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.
The European Union takes pride in witnessing the significant advancements within Zimbabwe’s aquaculture industry due to our assistance via the FISH4ACP program. This initiative has spurred developments ranging from stringent legislative frameworks to the establishment of breeding centers and fingerling distribution hubs. Such achievements form the foundation for a comprehensive and eco-friendly fish supply network capable of generating substantial additional revenue, fostering quality employment opportunities—particularly benefiting women and young people—and substantially enhancing national food safety as well as economic stability,” stated Jobst von Kirchmann, the EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
“With this new bill and a clear objective to achieve 14,000 tons of farmed tilapia and an annual worth of $22 million by 2032, Zimbabwe is establishing the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy,” said the Ambassador.
During a recent workshop, the draft underwent review and validation by important stakeholders. It is now prepared for presentation to parliament and can be turned into law.
This legislation has the potential to protect the future of Zimbabwe’s fish farming sector,” stated Loraine Motsi, who attended the workshop as a farmer. “By maintaining the integrity of the supply chain—from fry to feed—it allows farmers to generate top-notch fish and establish a prosperous aquaculture industry that enhances our whole country.
The bill is crucial for Zimbabwe’s aim to build a $1 billion fish industry by harnessing its available water resources completely, with the goals of combating hunger and malnutrition.
This initiative will enhance the simplicity of conducting business within the fishing sector and encourage investments into the aquaculture supply chain. According to the FISH4ACP value chain analysis, this sector presently contributes an additional value of $22 million.
The FAO has taken the lead in advancing aquaculture by offering technical assistance for setting up and restoring three breeding centers and two fingerling distribution hubs in Zimbabwe. These facilities are intended to encourage the adoption of superior genetic practices within the aquaculture industry.
FISH4ACP is a five-year acara (2020-2025) initiated by the OACPS aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture growth. This project intends to boost the efficiency and competitiveness of twelve fishery and aquaculture supply chains within twelve participating OACPS nations. The aim is to ensure that advancements economically benefit society without harming the environment, ensuring inclusion across all demographics. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting small and medium enterprises due to their capacity to generate significant economic and societal advantages, notably benefiting women and young people.
The Nile tilapia farming industry in Zimbabwe was among the 12 value chains chosen out of more than 70 global submissions to receive assistance from the FISH4ACP program due to its competitive edge.
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Zimbabwe’s inaugural fisheries and aquaculture bill is in the works.
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