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Food supply

Transforming Zimbabwe's Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector into a US$1 Billion Economic Powerhouse

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Zimbabwe is poised to revolutionise its economy through the transformation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, leveraging the potential of its vast inland water bodies. The sector has been underutilising over 10,700 dams and lakes, with the government projecting it to become a key driver of job creation, food security, and rural development. The sector report outlines significant milestones achieved in 2024, including the expansion of aquaculture projects across the country, training of schools in aquaculture, and empowerment of communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fisheries and aquaculture sector is projected to become a key driver of job creation, food security, and rural development in Zimbabwe, valued at US$1 billion.
  • The sector has achieved significant milestones in 2024, including the expansion of aquaculture projects, training of schools in aquaculture, and empowerment of communities.
  • The Fish4Schools programme has trained 33 schools in aquaculture, while two institutions – Mulezu Agricultural College and Solusi University – have been designated as Centres of Excellence.
  • Youth and women empowerment programmes have shown remarkable success, with over 4,490 youths trained in sustainable aquaculture and 2,490 male and 2,000 female participants.
  • The Fish4SHE initiative has supported women in starting their own aquaculture ventures, with women like those in the Pamodzi Fisheries group, composed of former sex workers and teenage mothers, now running self-sufficient businesses.
  • The sector remains vulnerable to climate shocks, with the 2023/24 El Nino drought exposing the sector's vulnerability.
  • The Government is finalising a comprehensive Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill to integrate sustainability, gender equity, and research-based decision-making into the sector.

Statistics:

  • Over 10,700 dams and lakes in Zimbabwe are underutilised in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
  • A total of 1,342 fish ponds were stocked nationwide in 2024, with Mashonaland East leading in productivity.
  • The Fish4Schools programme trained 33 schools in aquaculture.
  • Over 4,490 youths were trained in sustainable aquaculture in 2024.
  • Women empowerment programmes have achieved near gender parity, with 2,490 male and 2,000 female participants.

Sources:

  • Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (Fard), Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
  • Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.
  • Mr Milton Makumbe, Director of Fisheries.

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