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Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) is promoting fish farming in the country to economically empower citizens.

Zimparks acting spokesperson Mr Simukai Nyasha yesterday said the project can be done even in urban areas.

“The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority is promoting fisheries and fish farming in all households even in urban areas where ponds can be constructed. Our vision is to grow the fish farming industry and increase fish production in Zimbabwean dams as part of the ZimAsset programme,” said Mr Nyasha.

“We are stocking dams with three fish species (breams) Nile Tilapia, Mozambique Tilapia and Red-breasted Tilapia. We are also supplying fingerlings to all prospective fish farmers.”

He said the project would relieve pressure on major water bodies like Lake Kariba and Lake Chivero which are oversubscribed.

“These dams are oversubscribed in terms of commercial fishing permits beyond their sustainable carrying capacity. After stocking the dams we intend to issue fishing permits to communities living around these dams and all Zimbabweans wishing to venture into this business so that they can benefit from the resource,” he said.

Mr Nyasha added that fish have the potential to sustain livelihoods of Zimbabweans.

“We hope this effort will also benefit women, children and marginalised communities. We will also supply schools that have ponds with fingerlings so that by rearing the fish the children can learn from an early age and understand the importance of fish and grow an interest in breeding them,” he said.

Zimparks has taken the ongoing 2017 trade fair as an opportunity to educate Zimbabweans on fish farming opportunities and how this can sustain livelihoods.

“We are also aware that the price of fish cannot be afforded by ordinary citizens hence the need for everyone to take up this opportunity. They can contact us so we help them start fish farming. People in urban areas including western suburbs are also welcome as long they have space in their yards,” said Mr Nyasha.

— @thamamoe