THE kapenta fishing industry in Kariba is set for a revival following a significant rise in Lake Kariba’s water levels, with government reaffirming its commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers of economic growth.
Once under threat due to climate change and unsustainable fishing practices, the fishing sector is now regaining momentum.
Local fishermen have expressed renewed optimism, buoyed by improved yields and growing calls for policy reforms to promote sustainability.
During a tour of cooperatives in Kariba this week, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, acknowledged the sector’s importance and pledged government support.
“I conducted an assessment tour here in Kariba, visiting housing cooperatives with over 200 beneficiaries. I have also engaged with stakeholders in the fishing industry who shared the challenges they face. As government, we remain committed to supporting sustainable practices, including fostering cooperation with Zambia to ensure conservative management of shared water resources in light of climate change,” she said.
With 23 fishing cooperatives operating in Kariba, stakeholders are also hopeful that the anticipated Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill will help streamline operations by addressing concerns around multiple levies, licensing fees, and regulatory clarity.
“We are happy that water levels in the lake are rising which means better harvests. However, as a sector we have had an opportunity to relay our challenges to the minister particularly high operating fees and fisher’s license. They need to be reviewed so that there is a balance,” fisherman, Mr Besters Munakira said.
“We have observed that after our full moon week break there is increased yield, and we have put forward a request to the effect that we should have at least a month-long break as a solution to boost our Kapenta population, Mr Chartwell Tanga said.
Cross-border cooperation also emerged as a key concern, with Zimbabwean fishermen raising the imbalance in rig numbers compared to their Zambian counterparts.
“We have also highlighted to the minister that there is need for a dialogue with our counterparts in Zambia over sustainable harvesting. They have over 2 000 fishing rigs and against 500 on this side. There is need to foster a win-win situation since we are sharing the same water source,” fisherman, Mr Lux Gayungwa said.
“We appreciate the Minister’s visit. We hope it will translate into action and policy support that fosters growth and sustainability in our sector,” fisherman, Mr Zivanai Ngorezha said.
According to recent government data, SMEs contribute approximately US$8.6 billion to the national economy and support employment for over 3.5 million Zimbabweans.
