A 10-year strategy has been finalized by Stakeholders and food security experts from across Zimbabwe for tilapia farming.
The strategy aims to boost the country’s tilapia value chain and promote opportunities for women, youth and marginalised groups without adding pressure on the environment. It being spearheaded by FISH4ACP, a global fish value chain development initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
10-year strategy
The 10-year strategy involves boosting farmed Nile tilapia production from 5,600 to 14,000 tonnes per year throughout the ten year period. As a result, yearly benefits will increase from $5.6 million now to $22 million in ten years’ time, while also having an increase in services and markets for small-scale fish farmers. The strategy will also take into consideration best practices reduce negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystems.
“Tilapia farming can be a driver of our countries’ inclusive growth. This agreement will help our tilapia aquaculture take off and can be instrumental to reduce poverty and improve food security,” said the Honourable J Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development at an event celebrating sector-wide commitment to a ten-year plan for the future of Zimbabwe’s tilapia sector.
“FAO is happy to contribute to Zimbabwe’s efforts to expand aquaculture production. FISH4ACP demonstrates how we can fulfil our mandate to transform aquatic food systems into drivers of employment, economic growth, social development and environmental recovery,” Patrice Talla, FAO’s sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa.
