Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Zimbabwe

Visit the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department stand at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show this year, from the 26th to the 31st of August for an informative fisheries and aquaculture exhibition!

Because Gender inclusivity is at the top of our priority list!

Gender Links (GL) in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (MoLGPW) is implementing the “Promoting Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe” programme with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe in 12 local authorities. The programme focuses on five key thematic areas including Arts and Culture, Clean Energy, Health and Sanitation, Horticulture, and Waste Management. The programme is set to benefit 1800 participants (50% women, 30% youths and 20% men), whilst creating an additional 3600 jobs by the end of December 2025. The programme's overall goal is to reduce poverty and enhance livelihoods through gender-responsive and inclusive local economic development in 12 Centers of Excellence for gender in local government.

One of the value chains is aquaculture where infrastructural development support has gone towards establishing 13 fish ponds to economically and socially benefit 150 individuals, their families and communities. Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department (FARD) exhibited and presented on the market and financial opportunities in the aquaculture sector in support of the Tradeshow event at Pandari Hotel.

Empowering lives, enriching communities! In line with Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department (FARD) community outreach programmes, FARD attended the Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH) project launch at Henderson Primary School in Mazowe for the construction of ablution facilities. The school has also been ear marked as one of the FISH4SCHOOLS Programmes launch sites and this was one of the first steps to community development. With assistance from the Rotary Club of Harare and Rotary Club of Maidenhead, the launch saw to the availability of funds to cater for an efficient ablution block for the school. It is our key obligation to not only see to the implementation of sustainable fish farming projects but to also identify societal needs and address gaps, whilst collaborating with local organisations to mobilize resources for such impactful support in surrounding communities.

https://www.herald.co.zw/editorial-comment-fisheries-must-be-developed-quickly/

Editorial Comment: Fisheries must be developed quickly Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper

https://www.herald.co.zw/aquaculture-rising-fast-outstrips-wild-fisheries-fao-report/

Aquaculture rising fast, outstrips wild fisheries – FAO report Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper

https://www.herald.co.zw/presidential-fisheries-scheme-forges-ahead/

Presidential Fisheries Scheme forges ahead Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper

On to a sustainable, all inclusive, and quality driven aquaculture industry! Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department carried out a consultative workshop on the development of aquaculture hatchery management guidelines for Zimbabwe from the 15th to the 16th of August 2024. Draft guidelines have been developed under the technical cooperation programme on enhancing breeding and fish production in Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
Stakeholders from the sector were represented at the event which included academia, Ministry of Lands Agriculture Fisheries Water and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment, fish farmers, and aquaculture hatcheries.

Fisheries and Aquaculture training was launched in Chikomba District (Mashonaland East Province) under the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme in preparation for the 2024 fish production season starting in September. Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department (FARD) is training all beneficiaries in the district with bias towards women, youth, war veterans and people living with disabilities. To ensure sustainability of the cage culture project launched by the President, H.E Dr. Cde. E.D Mnangagwa, on Chivhu Dam last year, training on cage culture and pond production are the key elements of the training. At least 12 village business units (VBUs) will be established at nutrition gardens in the district, each with two fish ponds as one of the key El Nino drought mitigation strategies and adoption of aquaculture as a business across the country.

https://www.ccardesa.org/sadc-and-ccardesa-partner-strengthen-aquaculture-through-regional-genetic-improvement-programme

SADC and CCARDESA Partner to Strengthen Aquaculture through the Regional Genetic Improvement Programme By Bridget Kakuwa-Kasongamulilo (CCARDESA Secretariat), KATRINA Hilundwa (SADC Secretariat), and Alexander Kefi (SADC Secretariat)

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=881043360713816&id=100064244816997&mibextid=WC7FNe

https://www.herald.co.zw/shot-in-the-arm-for-cat-fish-industry/

Shot in the arm for cat fish industry Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper

https://www.hatcheryinternational.com/zimbabwes-ambitious-fingerling-distribution-scheme-hits-4-million/

Zimbabwe’s ambitious fingerling distribution scheme hits 4 million | Hatchery International Zimbabwe’s Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, which was launched this year, reported that it has been able to distribute 4,357,500 million fingerlings.

https://www.hatcheryinternational.com/fao-and-zimbabwean-government-collaborate-to-boost-fish-breeding/

FAO and Zimbabwe collaborate to boost fish breeding | Hatchery International The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe have launched a two-year Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to enhance fish breeding and production in the country.

https://positiveeyenews.co.zw/2024/07/19/zimbabwes-aquaculture-initiative-aligns-with-vision-2030-enhances-national-food-security/

Zimbabwe’s Aquaculture Initiative Aligns with Vision 2030, Enhances National Food Security – Positive Eye News The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Technical Assistance for Agricultural Transformation in Countries in Transition (TSF) project, has made significant strides in advancing Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector. Funded by the African Development ...

https://www.au-ibar.org/au-ibar-jobsconsultanciesprocurements/formulation-national-blue-economy-strategies-support-selected

Individual consultants with relevant qualifications, expertise and experience in blue economy related disciplines, are invited to apply for the development of the National Blue Economy Strategies, Implementation Plans and the corresponding framework for Zimbabwe.

Formulation of National Blue Economy Strategies Support to Selected African Union Member States | The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Formulation of National Blue Economy Strategies Support to Selected African Union Member States Opportunity Type Consultancy Description Background The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture...

The inland fisheries sector in Southern Africa plays a crucial role in providing food security and nutrition, particularly for poorer segments of the population, and for sustaining livelihoods and driving economic development. However, this has not been translated into widespread recognition of the importance of inland fisheries and the need to sustainably manage them.

The project for improving fisheries governance and blue economy trade corridors in the SADC region (PROFISHBLUE) seeks to promote sustainable management of fisheries resources within the blue economy context in order to improve food security and nutrition, create employment through value chain activities, facilitate intra-regional trade, and build adaptive capacity.

Knowing the importance and challenges of the inland fisheries for the SADC countries, the project has developed specific activities to support the sustainable fisheries resources management and best management practices for transboundary resources governance in interior land-locked regions which are home to several transboundary rivers and lakes.

In line with the project objectives, the component related to Blue Economy strategic plan and investment plan developed will be implemented in Lake Kariba in collaboration with Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department. To develop sustainable fisheries management in Lake Kariba, the project will focus on developing a Blue Economy Strategy and Investment Plan for the riparian water body. The project will use a participatory approach and consult the key decision makers from the fisheries and Blue Economy institutions in Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as national or regional organizations and stakeholders.

The project inception for the Output 2: Blue Economy strategic plan and investment plan developed (Lake Kariba) was held in Kariba, from the 1st and 2nd of July 2024. The meeting also led to the launch of the project in Zimbabwe.

Empowering the Future of Agriculture, Zimbabwe Young Farmers’ Trust
26 June 2024

*By Beauty Nesara

A transformative initiative is helping young people in Zimbabwe turn to farming as a viable career. The Zimbabwe Young Farmers’ Trust (ZYFT), led by Mr. Josephat Tanga, is dedicated to training and supporting youth in sustainable farming practices, opening doors to a brighter future.
Founded in 2013, ZYFT operates with a clear mandate: to develop and empower youth towards a thriving agricultural future. “We encourage young people to take farming as serious business,” says Mr. Tanga. “This will definitely address many unemployment and rampant drug abuse challenges faced by young people. Farming can sustain livelihoods.”
With over 2,000 members across all provinces, the organization has made significant strides in crop production, horticulture, export facilitation, and securing contracts for young farmers. By organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions, ZYFT promotes entrepreneurship, creativity, and productivity among its members.
ZYFT’s collaborative approach is key to its success. Working alongside the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Youth, local councils, national and international organizations, village authorities, and young people, the trust ensures that young farmers have access to land, farming skills, technology, and markets.

Mr. Tanga emphasizes the importance of these partnerships: “By so doing, the trust fulfills its role to bridge the gap between ministries and young farmers so that the government has the correct information of the exact needs of young farmers at the grassroots level.”
A testament to the impact of ZYFT’s work, Mr. Tanga was recently invited to attend the World Youth Festival in Russia this February, a significant personal achievement. Furthermore, he has been selected as an ambassador for Synergy University in Russia, where students learn innovative agricultural practices.
Currently, ZYFT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department, is implementing a fish farming project in all constituencies. This initiative aims to diversify farming practices and introduce new income streams for young farmers.
As ZYFT continues to grow, its vision remains steadfast: to cultivate a generation of young, skilled farmers who can lead Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector into a sustainable and prosperous future.

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CROC skin export increases by 40%

The 48th Annual General Meeting of the Crocodile Farmers' Association of Zimbabwe (CFAZ) is ongoing in Victoria Falls. The meeting has established that the Crocodile industry has emerged stronger and vibrant amidst challenges drawn from the Covid19 era.

Through collective efforts and strategic initiatives, farmers have achieved remarkable improvements in export of wet salted skins and revenue generation, 'a testament of unwavering commitment to excellence'.

The Deputy Minister for Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Zim Hon. Davis Marapira in his presentation to farmers said, "Crocodile farming remains a significant contributor to Zimbabwe's economy, generating foreign currency through exports of high-value skins and meat although some challenges still hinder reaching the potential production in the sector. "

The industry is highly volatile with aspects of sustainable crocodile use being the key components of sector viability. Thus, the Ministry is keen on contributing to the review of the existing Crocodile Policy and Plan for Zimbabwe and on looking into allocation of funds to address these mutually important issues.

"There is definite need for support of the industry to evaluate the social, economic and environmental contribution of the croc sector. It is pleasing that some of the challenges brought to the Ministry have been addressed such as the forex retention issue. We are still working on addressing the high-water charges associated with croc farming." said the Deputy Minister.

"The sector has been given little attention in the past, however it is high time the industry is recognized by the agricultural sector. Given the amount of employment opportunities for thousands of people, particularly in rural areas, the crocodile farming sector is imperative to socio-economic development.

The Zimbabwean government has implemented policies and regulations to support the growth of the crocodile farming industry, recognizing its potential for economic development and wildlife conservation. Regional groupings for crocodile farmers are rendered important to promote sustainable farming and better farming methods as well as adequate communication and extension services, research on production and efficiency, research on croc products value addition, regulation of farm operators so that every farmer adheres to enforced farm practices of high standard, and consultations with the industry on how best the sector can be assisted.

"Despite all the adversities being faced by the sector, it is pleasing to note the commitment the industry has put thus far on being one of the flagship states in Southern Africa on exportation of quality croc skins."





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https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=451654031140873&id=100088888383506&mibextid=CDWPTG

CROC skin exports increase by 40%

The 44th Annual General Meeting of the Crocodile Farmers' Association of Zimbabwe (CFAZ) is ongoing in Victoria Falls. The meeting has established that the Crocodile industry has emerged stronger and vibrant amidst challenges drawn from the Covid19 era. Through collective efforts and strategic initiatives, farmers have achieved remarkable improvements in export of wet salted skins and revenue generation, 'a testament of unwavering commitment to excellence'.

The Deputy Minister for Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Zim Hon. Davis Marapira in his presentation to farmers said, "Crocodile farming remains a significant contributor to Zimbabwe's economy, generating foreign currency through exports of high-value skins and meat although some challenges still hinder reaching the potential production in the sector. "

The industry is highly volatile with aspects of sustainable crocodile use being the key components of sector viability. Thus, the Ministry is keen on contributing to the review of the existing Crocodile Policy and Plan for Zimbabwe and on looking into allocation of funds to address these mutually important issues.

"There is definite need for support of the industry to evaluate the social, economic and environmental contribution of the croc sector. It is pleasing that some of the challenges brought to the Ministry have been addressed such as the forex retention issue. We are still working on addressing the high-water charges associated with croc farming." said the Deputy Minister.

"The sector has been given little attention in the past, however it is high time the industry is recognized by the agricultural sector. Given the amount of employment opportunities for thousands of people, particularly in rural areas, the crocodile farming sector is imperative to socio-economic development.

The Zimbabwean government has implemented policies and regulations to support the growth of the crocodile farming industry, recognizing its potential for economic development and wildlife conservation. Regional groupings for crocodile farmers are rendered important to promote sustainable farming and better farming methods as well as adequate communication and extension services, research on production and efficiency, research on croc products value addition, regulation of farm operators so that every farmer adheres to enforced farm practices of high standard, and consultations with the industry on how best the sector can be assisted.

"Despite all the adversities being faced by the sector, it is pleasing to note the commitment the industry has put thus far on being one of the flagship states in Southern Africa on exportation of quality croc skins."




fans Obert Jiri Agricultural and Rural Development Authority Vangelis Haritatos Zimbabwe Young Farmers-Fyfcz Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Diaspora Farmers Union

Under the theme, 'Educate an African fit for the 21st century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa', the Organisation of petroleum exporting countries funded schools was officially opened at Makumimavi Government Primary School in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East today. H.E the President Dr. Cde. E.D Mnangagwa reiterated how education is one of the central pillars of the government's endeavours to improve the quality of life and socio-economic tranformation of Zimbabwe. Leaving no one and no place behind, a school business unit (SBU) was also launched on the same occasion where 2 fishponds were stocked with tilapia fingerlings. The SBUs are key in incorporating aquaculture in curricula from early stages of school development contributing to school incomes and sustainability of these projects in the long run.

https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-youth-fish-farming-training-programme-takes-off

NEW: Youth fish farming training programme takes off The Leading Family Newspaper in Zimbabwe

https://www.herald.co.zw/21-000-youths-empowered-through-fish-farming/

21 000 youths empowered through fish farming Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper

With pro-youth investments in aquaculture, Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre Youth Business Unit (Mashonaland East) was launched by H.E. the President Dr Cde E.D Mnangagwa. The aim is to enhance skills development and support livelihoods through aquaculture. Taking aquaculture as a business, is one of the key steps to sustainability of the projects. To this end, at least 21,000 youths will be capacitated by FARD in collaboration with Zimbabwe Young Farmers Trust to lead aquaculture projects successfully. On to

Youth organisation seeks to boost fish production

Youth organisation seeks to boost fish production Bulawayo's most popular daily newspaper

https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/chinorumba-high-school-defying-rural-tag

Chinorumba High School defying rural tag The Leading Family Newspaper in Zimbabwe

Under the theme, Harnessing the fruits of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre Business Unit harvested palm sized tilapia stocked on the 21st of February 2024.

Harnessing the fruits of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme! Mudzi District showcased success with the first harvest since the stocking of one fishpond under the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme in August 2023. Shinga Village stood tall as palm sized table fish were harvested at Kapfunde farm following the distribution of 1200 fingerlings to kickstart the project under the scheme.