Zimbabwe has taken a significant step toward strengthening its fisheries sector following the validation of the country’s National Aquaculture Frame Survey, a dataset expected to guide evidence-based policies and investments in fish farming.
Speaking in Harare, the Director for Livestock and Fisheries Production in the Department of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services (ARDAS), Milton Makumbe, said the survey provides the first comprehensive national baseline on aquaculture activities.
The survey was developed in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the European Union, helping to close a long-standing data gap in the country’s fisheries sector.
Makumbe said the information gathered will allow government and development partners to better plan interventions aimed at scaling fish production and strengthening the aquaculture value chain across the country.
“The validation of the National Aquaculture Frame Survey is a landmark milestone for the fisheries sector. For the first time, we now have reliable baseline data that can guide policy, research, and investment decisions,” he said.
The survey validation comes as researchers, policymakers, and development partners prepare for a national fisheries research symposium scheduled for March 12 in Harare.
The symposium will showcase 23 scientific papers focusing on key areas such as fish nutrition, genetics, and aquaculture technologies designed to increase productivity.
According to Makumbe, the research aims to help transform small-scale fish farmers into viable agribusiness operators by promoting modern innovations such as solar-powered aeration systems and improved fingerling production hubs.
“These technologies are essential for improving fish survival rates and productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers who face challenges related to climate change, energy access, and water management,” he said.
Shaping the 2026 Fisheries Research AgendaInsights from the symposium are expected to inform Zimbabwe’s 2026 National Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Agenda, which will prioritize closing research gaps and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
Paul Mwera from Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) said it is important to build sectors on solid data and collaborative efforts.
“We now have strong evidence that will help shape the future of the sector and the newly gathered data should guide coordinated efforts among government, researchers, and the private sector, ” he said.
The initiative aligns with the country’s development blueprint and long-term economic vision, which prioritize rural industrialization and food security.
Officials say the fisheries sector has the potential to create employment opportunities for rural communities while improving access to affordable protein sources.
