Feed critical for fisheries growth

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By Blessing V. Bonga

THE shortage of feed for fisheries has affected the sector prompting the Zimbabwean government to initiate the Presidential Community Fisheries programs to close the yawning gap between the supply and demand of fish in the country.

This was revealed by Agriculture deputy minister, Davis Marapira while officiating at the launch of the country specific Multi-Stakeholder Platform for feed and fodder sector in Zimbabwe recently.

Zimbabwe is one of the six countries implementing the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) with support from the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

“As I am speaking now we are growing the fish sector of the economy under the Presidential Community Fisheries.
“As a country we are consuming 60,000 metric tons of fish, but currently we are only producing 33,000 metric tons of which there is a gap in growth for the fishery and fishery sector,” he said.

He noted that feed was  critical for the growth of the fish sector.

“But that sector can only grow if we have enough feed for the fish sector. The importance of livestock in rural lives and food security lies in the provision of meat, milk products, eggs, hides, and skins,” Dr Marapira added.

The Deputy minister also said that livestock provides food security and serves as a household investment for rural livelihoods. He called for the inclusion of women in rural livelihoods, and food systems.

“Up to 45 percent of rural households are estimated to own cattle, 60-80% own goats, and over 80% own chickens. The importance of livestock in rural livelihoods and food security lies in the provision of meat, milk, eggs, hides & skins, draught power, and manure. They also act as strategic household investments.”
“Lastly, as we move towards inclusivity and reducing hunger and malnutrition, the government of Zimbabwe realizes the important role of women in rural livelihoods, and food systems,” he said.

AU-IBAR RAFFS business and development expert Mr David Maina said it was important for African governments to consider promoting the feed and fodder sector should they desire to meet the food and nutrition security of their citizens.

“And because people must eat and government must secure their people, they must observe food security as a first priority, we are likely to see people, countries importing.

“The question is, is Africa going to afford importing food when our economies are burdened with other imports?

“This is a serious economic question and everybody must put their eyes on the production of feed and fodder so that we ensure that at least we are able to feed our people and at least respond to the rising demand of this product,” he said.