By Conrad Mwanawashe, recently in Macheke
A LARGE proportion of fish farmers have reported an increase in production, with Manicaland leading in stable production levels, an Aquaculture Frame Survey has revealed.
The survey, carried out in five provinces, Manicaland, Masvingo, Midlands, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South, revealed that all the surveyed provinces were positive towards the growth of the aquaculture sector, with a large proportion of respondents expecting an increase in productivity.
Respondents in Manicaland (20.78%), Masvingo (17.17%), and Matabeleland South (18.52%) reported relatively stable production levels.
The increase in production in Zimbabwe is in line with government’s target of achieving a US$1 billion fisheries and aquaculture economy by 2030, according to Davis Marapira, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development while officiating at a fisheries pond stocking at Macheke, Murehwa District, Mashonaland East Province, recently.
“The country has in the past few years witnessed a significant increase in fish farming activities especially in the small holder sector which is quite positive and Macheke is part of those in the race. We expect that by 2030, the fisheries project or program will be a US$1 billion-dollar economy for our country,” Deputy Minister Marapira said.
“I am confident that the strategy of imparting knowledge and skills on fish farming to all provinces,
districts, villages and households will greatly improve adoption throughout our communities,” he added.
The global aquaculture products market is expected to rise at a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% by 2027, according to research by Markets and Markets
This rising trend is expected to boost market value from $39.7 billion in 2022 to $56.2 billion by the end of 2027.
Aquaculture products are used in the production of aquaculture of aquatic animals and plants, which can be used as a protein source in a range of food and animal feed applications. The demand for aquaculture products is growing in the aquaculture industries, owing to increase consumption of fishmeal in human food and animal feed as it is good source of animal protein.
Drivers: Increased health consciousness and environmental awareness
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in fishmeal consumption, driven by rising health consciousness and environmental awareness among consumers. As people become more aware of the health benefits associated with consuming fish-based protein, such as improved cardiovascular health and weight management, demand for fishmeal as a dietary supplement has increased. As a result, fishmeal consumption is expected to continue to rise in the coming years, driven by an increasing demand for healthy and sustainable food sources, according to Markets and Markets.
In Nigeria, in 2022, the total fisheries production was estimated at 1.1 million tonnes, to which marine catch contributed 36 percent, inland waters catch contributed 36 percent and aquaculture 28 percent. The sector contributed 0.83 percent of national GDP in 2020 and 3.26 percent of the agricultural GDP.
More than 80 percent of Nigeria’s total domestic production is generated by artisanal small-scale fishers from coastal, inshore, creeks of the Niger Delta, lagoons, inland rivers and lakes.
In Zimbabwe, Deputy Minister Marapira said that in Macheke district, 24 fish ponds were stocked with 32,000 unsexed fingerlings and an additional 10,000 in Mudzi District.
At the recent 15th Malabo Montpellier Forum (last week), Zimbabwe was acknowledged as one of the countries with a fast-growing fisheries and aquaculture sector. This recognition signifies that, despite being in our infancy, we’re on the right track.
“This international recognition was only possible through the availability of data from the sector, which highlights the importance of having accurate and up-to-date information on the state of aquaculture in Zimbabwe. This reiterates the need for us to be constantly informed about the sector’s developments, so we can guide policy decisions from an informed position,” Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department, Mr Milton Makumbe said.
To this end, part of the National Aquaculture Sector Survey was conducted in 2024, with the primary objective of collecting data on the current state of aquaculture in Zimbabwe.
The aim of the survey was to generate valuable data that we can all utilize in our different capacities as government and service providers.
“The survey’s findings will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of aquaculture in Zimbabwe, including: farmer distribution patterns to ensure targeted support and resources, identifying challenges in distributing quality aquaculture inputs, to improve the overall efficiency of the sector, and highlighting opportunities for fish farmers to expand their market reach and improve logistics, to enhance service provision and boost economic growth,” Mr Makumbe said.
The Aquaculture Frame Survey showed that the anticipated increase in production was propelled by:
- Improved feeding practices and pond management
- Enhanced fish stock quality
- Better knowledge and training
- Optimal water quality and availability- Effective management practices
Fish species commonly farmed in Zimbabwe were:
- Nile tilapia is the most common species found across all provinces, suggesting a preference for farming Nile tilapia and potentially indicates its high adaptability to captivity.
- Indigenous species are also under production.
- The concentration of catfish (muramba) farming in Matabeleland North indicates a strong local market demand for this species, setting it apart from other provinces.
- Trout, also only in Manicaland, is isolated due to favourable temperatures for culture.
- Nile Tilapia exhibits the highest yield in ponds for all provinces, showing its suitability and effectiveness in this production system.
- Red-breasted tilapia and Mozambique Bream shows relatively high yields in all provinces demonstrating adaptability and efficiency in ponds, making them potential viable options for aquaculture.
- Catfish (Muramba) yields are low across most provinces, except in Matabeleland North. This suggests limited cultivation due to low market demand and a focus on subsistence production rather than high-quality farming practices.
- The Largemouth bass shows very low yields highlighting the challenges of farming the species in traditional settings.
