Panos Institute Southern Africa has urged the government to increase the number of districts covered in aquaculture intervention.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has called on farmers to invest in aquaculture to increase fish production and bridge the country’s huge deficit of 80,000 metric tonnes.
Zambia’s current fish production from captured fisheries stands at 85,000 metric tonnes while the contribution from aquaculture is 32,000 metric tonnes per annum.
Panos Institute Southern Africa Lilian Kiefer is also encouraging community members in the districts where support for fish farming is being provided to get into fish farming on a sustainable scale.
“We also urge the government to increase the number of districts covered in aquaculture intervention. The district to be covered are: Districts: Chitambo, Mkushi, Serenje, Luanshya, Kalulushi, Ndola, Chipata, Katete, Chadiza, Bangweulu/Samfya/Lunga, Nchelenge, Chiengi, Rufunsa, Chongwe, Kafue, Chinsali, Shiwang’andu, Isoka, Mungwi, Mpulungu, Kasama, Kasempa, Solwezi, Mwinilunga, Gwembe (Chipepo), Siavonga, Sinazongwe, Mwandi, Sioma and Kaoma. For example, we are aware that community members in districts like Kazungula – which is not among the 30 – have experienced loss of income and loss of livelihoods because of reduced fish volumes in the Zambezi River,” she said.
Ms Kiefer is also urging the government to ensure that community members in the above districts access timely and accurate information to guide their venturing into fish farming.
She notes that while this is a very good initiative with great potential to contribute to economic growth and improve livelihoods, her organization is concerned that that lack of support in the implementation may result in the communities not seeing the many benefits of fish farming.
“In addition to the recruitment of District Aquaculture Business Extension officers, we encourage the government to invest in developing the capacities of the community members to independently run the fish farming ventures. It is our view that investment in the capacities of community members is more sustainable and will enable the community members to take ownership of the intervention,” she added.
The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) this year announced that it is in the process of recruiting District Aquaculture Business Extension Officers to cover 30 districts.
The Commission also said it is offering business loans for the establishment of commercial fish hatcheries and commercial fish nurseries.