The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project – ZAEDP implementation has gone into high gear, aimed at contributing to the narrowing the fish deficit in Zambia which would help save forex in reduced imports.
The project objective is to advance the aquaculture/fish farming sub-sector as a viable and inclusive business opportunity through enhanced production and productivity in order to improve the livelihood of beneficiaries along the aquaculture value chain.
Speaking at the launch of the national stakeholders meeting on increasing fish production attended by Zambian Business Times – ZBT at Mika hotel in Lusaka, Permanent secretary at the ministry of fisheries and livestock Dr. David Shamilenge stated that government intends to narrow the deficit of more than 80,000 metric tonnes in national fish production through the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development project.
Dr. Shamulenge disclosed that fish production by 2020 is expected to increased by 10,000 metric tonnes. With loan recoveries and reinvestment from the revolving Aquaculture Seed Fund, the country will increase its fish production to 47,000 metric tonnes adding that this would add an increase of at least 45% in aquaculture’s contribution to fish production by 2021 from the current level of 36, 000 tonnes.
“It is government’s expectation that 22 million of fingerlings can be supplied by fish hatcheries while the balance of 22 million will come from the 18 new hatcheries being established with the support of the ZAEDP to be established throughout the country,” he said
And speaking at the same meeting, Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission – CEEC Director general Likando Mukumbuta said that the commission has started the disbursement of K27 million empowerment loans to the 18 new hatcheries and nurseries under the project.
He revealed that in line with Governments policy to enhance the participation of youths and women in job-creation, 50% of the funded fish hatchery and nursery projects valued at K14 million have gone to 9 companies owned by youth and women citizens.
