By Conrad Mwanawashe
REGULAR fish consumption promotes numerous health and well-being because fish is a rich source of essential nutrients that can significantly improve nutrition, combat malnutrition, and promote good health — particularly for children, women, and the elderly.
This has encouraged the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the Zimbabwe Fish Producers Association (ZFPA), to initiate a campaign to encourage healthier eating habits among citizens.
The partners launched the Zimbabwe National Fish Fair last Saturday under the theme: Eat Fish Twice a Week, which is “more than just a slogan” but a call to action, according to the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira.
He said the Eat Fish Twice a Week campaign, also presents an opportunity for fish producers.
“Zimbabwe has immense potential for aquaculture development. Our country’s fish output averages 33,000 metric tonnes every year, yet demand is estimated at 60,000 tonnes annually. This disparity presents an opportunity for our farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities to come together and build a thriving aquaculture industry,” Deputy Minister Marapira.
Various programs are underway to increase contribution of the fisheries sector including the Fish4ACP program, Command Fisheries, the ministry’s Agricultural Food Systems Transformation Strategy program which is targeting all 35,000 villages in Zimbabwe.
Currently Zimbabwe imports over 20,000MT of fish mainly from Namibia (mackerel, sprats, assorted seafood) and increasingly bream from Zambia estimated at 2000t in 2024, according to Zimbabwe Fisheries Association (ZFPA) Chairperson, Garikai Munatsirei.
“ZFPA estimates employment levels in the fisheries value chain at 5,000 people covering feed raws / processed feeds, nets, production/processing, cold chain management, marketing & distribution by mainly women.
“Export earnings topped $17M in 2013-2014 but have subsided. Currently fish feeds take up to 15,000MT of soya & maize from our farmers,” said Munatsirei.
FAO Representative for Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini, Dr Patrice Talla, said fish is a solution to malnutrition, a source of income for families, and a sector that can thrive even in the face of challenges like climate change.
“Fish is not just food, it’s superfood,” Dr Talla said.
Zimbabwe, with its approximately 10,000 dams, has abundant natural resources with the potential to meet nutritional needs and enhance the livelihoods of fish farmers and fishermen.
Deputy Minister Marapira said the increased demand for fish will support local fish farmers, create jobs, and encourage sustainable aquaculture practices that safeguard our water resources for future generations.
“As government, we are committed to advancing the fishery sector. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, technology, and research to boost fish production and ensure the sustainability of our aquatic ecosystems.
“Through collaboration with the private sector, NGOs, and local communities, we aim to develop a vibrant and competitive fish industry, ultimately making fish an accessible and affordable part of every Zimbabwean’s diet,’ added Deputy Minister Marapira.
