Govt gives thumbs-up to fishery programmes

Government has applauded efforts towards sustainable development of the fisheries sector which it says could be a big contributor to economic development.

Addressing stakeholders at the first bi-annual meeting on the tilapia value chain in Kariba yesterday, fisheries and aquatic director in the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry, Milton Tinashe Makumbe, said government was in support of efforts being made towards sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

“We view this sector as critical in addressing challenges of food security, nutrition, job creation, empowerment of women, youths and other marginalised members of our communities,” he said.

“The value chain approach promotes inclusiveness, economic growth and environmental sustainability, as we grow the fish industry.

“The culmination of collective efforts from all players is also welcome as it dovetails with the government’s thrust of not leaving anyone or any region behind in terms of development.

“I am sure there is excitement among us all since we have now reached the point of implementing the strategy that we developed together as a team. I hope that as we evaluate the work done so far and plan for the future, we will continue to work as a team with more energy.”

The sustainable development strategy was the result of a sector-wide dialogue, analysis and validation of Zimbabwe’s tilapia value chain spearheaded by FISH4ACP, a global fish value chain development initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation with funding from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development.-newsday