Rise of fish farming in Zim

THE demand for fish globally is increasing and it has become a cheap alternative source of protein. Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is the practice of rearing fish and other waterbased organisms in controlled environments such as tanks and ponds for food production. It is a rapidly growing industry that plays a crucial role in meeting the increasing global demand for food.

The Government recognised aquaculture as a form of livestock production that has the potential to contribute significantly to sustainable livelihoods, food security and economic development through diversification of exports earnings.

Zimbabwe boasts one of the largest fish farming operations in Africa as it has a notable quantity of dam water, as well as desirable climatic conditions, for aquaculture to thrive.

In an effort to develop a fully fledged fish farming sub-sector, Government adopted a number of initiatives to grow the vast aquaculture potential in Zimbabwe. This is why the Second Republic came up with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Strategy.

The strategy — which focuses on the regulatory framework, capacity building, financing mechanisms, and research and development — seeks to provide a framework for sustainable development of aquaculture in Zimbabwe and to ensure it contributes to food security, poverty alleviation and economic growth.

Fish farming has been practised since time immemorial, with evidence of early fish farming dating back to ancient China, Egypt and Rome. However, it has evolved significantly over time due to advancements in technology, where modern aquatic practices have been adopted.

The Second Republic is pulling out all the stops in making sure fish farming contributes to the country’s development agenda, and is taking advantage of the refurbished irrigation schemes and community gardens to create commercial fishing hotspots countrywide. This has seen the number of fishponds increasing from 5 634 last year to 7 247 this year.

The Presidential Fisheries Scheme has also come in handy. Under this programme, more than 50 000 farmers have received fingerlings to boost production.

For Zimbabwe, there are several fish species that can thrive. The most common is tilapia. This type can thrive in almost any weather. Tilapia can eat plant-based food and insects. One of the reasons farmers prefer tilapia is that they can be harvested in eight months.

Catfish is another popular fish species in Zimbabwe, particularly in the Zambezi River basin. There are several catfish varieties found in the country. They include the African catfish and the smaller variety. Catfish is a good source of protein and is often consumed as part of traditional dishes.

Bream is a versatile fish species that is found in many Zimbabwean water bodies — including lakes, dams and rivers. There are several bream varieties in Zimbabwe. They include the large-mouth bream, the small-mouth type and the tilapia variety.

Trout is a cold-water fish species that is found in the mountainous regions of Zimbabwe, particularly in Nyanga. Trout is a popular game fish and is often targeted by anglers. There are several trout varieties found in Zimbabwe. They include the rainbow trout and the brown one.

Carp is a hardy fish species that is found in many Zimbabwean water bodies. Some popular varieties are the common carp and the grass carp.

Production

There are several methods of fish farming, each with its own merits and demerits. The most common methods in Zimbabwe include the following:

Pond: This method involves raising fish in man-made or natural ponds. It is one of the oldest and simplest forms of fish farming. Ponds are stocked with fingerlings and managed to provide optimal conditions for growth. Pond culture is suitable for various species, including catfish, tilapia and carp.

Cages: The cage culture involves confining fish in cages or pens placed in natural bodies of water such as dams, rivers or lakes. These cages allow water to flow freely while preventing fish from escaping. This method is commonly used for salmon, trout and other marine species.

Recirculating aquaculture system: This is a closed-loop system that recirculates water through filtration systems to maintain optimal water quality for fish growth. It allows for high-density stocking and efficient use of resources such as water and feed. This method is commonly used for commercial purposes.

Fish farming contributes to global food security by increasing the availability of nutritious food. It helps meet the growing demand for protein-rich food, particularly in developing countries.

Fish farming creates employment opportunities, especially in rural areas where traditional fishing may be limited. It also contributes to local economies through trade and export.

The top fish-producing countries in

Africa and the world vary based on different factors such as geographical location, natural resources, fishing practices and economic development. Egypt is the leading fish-producing country on the continent. It benefits from its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, which provide abundant fishing grounds. The country has a well-developed aquaculture sector and a long history of traditional fishing practices.

Nile tilapia, mullet and sea bream are among the most commonly harvested fish species in Egypt. Nigeria is another major fish-producing country in Africa. It has a vast coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and numerous inland water bodies, including rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

Other top fish-producing countries in Africa are Morocco, Ghana, Tunisia and Algeria. According to Statistica, the volume of global fish production amounted to 184,6 million tonnes in 2022, up from 178.1 million tonnes in 2021.

Fish is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world. It is becoming more popular over time.

China is the largest fish-producing country in the world. It has a vast coastline along the Pacific Ocean and numerous inland water bodies. The Asian country’s fisheries sector is highly developed, with both marine and freshwater fishing activities. It produces a wide range of fish species, including carp, tilapia and catfish.

Indonesia ranks second in global fish production. Other top fish-producing countries are India, Vietnam, the United States, Brazil and Norway. In 2020, Government approved the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan aimed at putting interventions to address constrains in the livestock sector.

This also laid the foundation for the livestock sector to assume its prominent role in transforming rural livelihoods and provide raw material for local companies.

The livestock sector includes cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, bees, crocodiles and fish. The sector is expected to grow to US$3.4 billion by 2025.

Fish farming is a critical sector that contributes to sustainable food production, food and nutrition security, and economic development.

While it offers numerous benefits, careful management is necessary to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure long-term viability of this practice.

Word from the Market is a column produced by the Agricultural Marketing Authority to promote market-driven production. Feedback: cchiduku@ama.co.zw or WhatsApp/ Call +263781706212.