Villagers urged to embark in aquaculture projects
THERE is a need for communal people to improve their food security and nutritional levels through embarking in aquaculture projects, an official said.
Speaking after an aquaculture field day at Malunika Irrigation Scheme, Umzingwane District in Matabeleland South Province, the Division of Livestock Production and Development (DLPD)’s provincial livestock specialist, Mrs Simangaliphi Ngwabi said there was generally lack of proper nutrition provision necessary to support human life and health in remote areas.
Poor nutrition is a chronic problem often linked to poverty, deficient sanitation and food security.
The Malunika aquaculture project field day was held to promote the eating and preparation of various fish dishes and attracted farmers from Beitbridge and Insiza districts as well as the local community.
“Communal people mostly eat sadza and vegetables thus aquaculture projects will enable them to at least have a balanced diet which also contains protein.
“Aquaculture is a good project if the farmers properly manage and handle it. It definitely plays a part in ensuring food security in light of the challenges which Government faces due to changes in weather patterns,” said Mrs Ngwabi.
Malunika aquaculture project is part of the $4,5 million European Commission funded four-year “Integrated and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Production for Improved Food Security for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe” programme launched in 2013 in eight districts namely Insiza, Binga, Kariba, Umzingwane, Masvingo, Beitbridge, Mwenezi and Hwange.
The project funding which will run up to 2017 is being implemented by World Vision International-Zimbabwe, Basilizwi Trust and Aquaculture Zimbabwe.
Its overall objective is to improve the food security to 9 000 vulnerable households by creating an environment that is conducive to reducing dependency on humanitarian assistance.
“Fish farming is of paramount importance towards improving nutritional value among communal people. It is also cheaper than meat and it’s not labour intensive in terms of management.
“If you notice, under Zim Asset, food security and nutrition is anchored at the top — a clear indication of its importance,” said Mrs Ngwabi.
“Our intention is to also model it in a pass-on-the chick project to ensure that it eventually covers the whole constituency. There is also one of our youths who has promised to put up an incubator so we can quickly hatch the eggs,” said Mrs Mapendere.
However, the prevailing liquidity crunch in the country, which is felt more in remote areas largely due to a lower number of people with substantial disposable income is threatening the viability of the poultry venture.
One of the youths who has also benefited Mr Perfect Fazhe said the project was already playing a key role towards alleviating hunger and poverty in most households.
“If you take a look at our area its was ravaged by drought and the chickens have to a certain extent assisted in improving household food security while we have realised some income through selling the chickens to teachers and other Government workers,” he said.