The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has unveiled fisheries and aquaculture projects with the aim of catalysing economic transformation in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the launch of the Lake Kariba Inshore Fisheries Management Plan in Kariba, FAO representative to Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini, Patrice Talla, emphasized that these initiatives would drive “blue transformation,” dedicated to fostering sustainability and resilience in local communities.
The Lake Kariba Inshore Fisheries Management Plan, a product of the technical co-operation programme (TCP) between Zimbabwe and FAO, is designed to enhance community resilience and sustainability in small-scale fisheries around Lake Kariba.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Talla highlighted significant progress despite the hurdles. He commended the collaborative efforts involving the FAO project team, government officials, fishers, and various stakeholders. Talla expressed gratitude to the implementing partner, the Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development Institute of the University of Zimbabwe, for its role in training fishers and stakeholders, as well as spearheading the development of the Fisheries Management Plan.
“The TCP project outputs, including the Fisheries Management Plan, contribute to the achievement of national targets outlined in key frameworks such as the National Development Strategy 1 (2020-25) and the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy: 2020-30,” remarked Talla. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the sustainability of small-scale fisheries in Lake Kariba to improve fisheries management, bolster food security, and drive economic growth.
The FAO’s fisheries and aquaculture initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in reshaping Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, fostering environmental sustainability, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
