FAO advocates expansion of aquaculture to ease pressure on Lake Kariba – Newsday Zimbabwe

Speaking at the PROFISHBLUE blue economy strategy workshop in Siawonga, Zambia, Milton Makumbe, director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Production at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said there was a need to ease pressure on fishing on Lake Kariba.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for increased aquaculture practices in response to growing fishing pressure on Lake Kariba.

The initiative aims to address declining fish stocks and ensure sustainable fishing practices in one of Africa’s largest man-made lakes.

“There is a need to reduce pressure on wildlife fisheries and introduce aquaculture into the communities where we live,” he said.

“We share the same lake, so the policies adopted in Zimbabwe should be adopted in Zambia.”

Over the years, Lake Kariba has faced serious problems due to overfishing and environmental changes, leading to an alarming decline in fish populations.

Reports show that approximately 80% of fishermen in the region have seen their catches decline, raising concerns about the sustainability of traditional fishing methods.

Aquaculture, or fish farming, provides an opportunity to replenish wild fish stocks while providing a sustainable source of protein for local communities.

FAO’s approach involves involving local communities in aquaculture development, ensuring that benefits are widely shared.

By providing training and resources, FAO aims to enable small-scale fish farmers to adopt sustainable practices that can increase productivity while preserving the lake’s biodiversity.

The workshop focused on developing a comprehensive blue economy strategy and investment plan for Lake Kariba, a vital resource shared by both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

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