40. The Technical Consultation recognized the status of pelagic and inshore artisanal fish stocks. It was noted that there exists data of more than 20 years around the Lake. However, there is need for the two countries to improve biological statistical data collection on fish stocks. The Technical Consultation made the following short-term and long-term recommendations.
41. It was recommended that the fisheries administration of the two countries fulfil the following:
42. The delegates recommended support for the following
Setting up a socio-economic data collecting system for the artisanal inshore fishery in the short-term.
Improve socio-economic data collection capacity in the longer term.
43. The Technical Consultation recognized the importance of extension services and information dissemination. The delegates recommended that the extension and information delivery service be strengthened by the national administrations.
44. Concerning fish processing and marketing it was recommended that both countries carry out the following:
Support the introduction of appropriate fish processing and storage techniques in the short-term.
Support village infrastructure development to improve fish preservation and access to market outlets over the long-term.
45. The Technical Consultation noted the presence of existing research information collected for the last decade which can be utilized for management purposes, these include:
Old time series data, which was partly captured in the database, have been revised, updated and standardized in a unified system. The database needs to be updated by entering the remaining data.
Reviews of previous biological reference points and management regulations including MSY and optimal effort.
46. The Technical Consultation was informed of the outstanding research needs, viz. the pelagic fishery (kapenta):
Need to assess the inshore stocks using multispecies and multigear methods.
47. The Technical Consultation noted the information and research needs for developing, adoption and strengthening of joint fisheries management systems and activities. These include:
disseminate results for public utilization.
48. There is evidence of high post-harvest losses in the inshore fishery of Lake Kariba which is due to inappropriate processing methods, inadequate financial resources and shortage of fuel wood. It is therefore recommended that appropriate innovative fish processing technologies be introduced and encouraged in the Lake Kariba fishery.
49. It was also noted that most of the fishing villages in Lake Kariba are situated in remote areas which are highly inaccessible by most major communication means. This situation has already affected the timely marketing and disposal of the fishers catch. The introduction of storage facilities such as freezers has been hindered by the absence of electricity in these areas. The situation is further aggravated during the rainy season.
50. It is therefore recommended that infrastructure be provided in the fishing villages as part of the social development programmes.
51. It is observed that there is limited participation of women in the fishing around Lake Kariba but women are more involved in fish trading. It is therefore recommended that the participation of women in the fishing industry be encouraged and strengthened.
52. The Technical Consultation recognized the need for environmental management around the Lake. The potential for increased environmental degradation and pollution in Lake Kariba due to expansion in human activities in the catchment area of the lake as well as activities in the lake itself was noted.
53. The Meeting recognized the need for environmental monitoring and urged national fisheries authorities to make the relevant institutions aware of the effects of pollution, heavy metals and environmental effects on fisheries and fishers.
54. It is therefore recommended that the national fisheries authorities urged that sources of pollution in the lake be identified and a regular integrated environmental management programme be instituted.
55. It was noted that one major factor that has hindered development in the artisanal fishery is lack of credit to fishers. The delegates also noted that small-scale farmers in the crop production sector are provided with credit facilities. It was recommended that the two national administrations identify viable credit systems in fishing communities
56. The Technical Consultation emphasized the importance of sustainable management and recommended to the riparian countries to review co-management processes around the Lake. There was also a need for the Joint Fisheries Management Committee to be convened.
57. The meeting noted that in some SADC countries fisheries is a stand-alone department, while in other countries the fisheries portfolio has been amalgamated with other government departments such as agriculture and wildlife. Such latter arrangements can lead to the marginalization of fisheries research activities and fisheries institutions in some countries despite the fact that fisheries make significant contribution to their economies.
58. Decision-makers may not always be aware of the significance of the fisheries sector in national economics and the activities that should be undertaken to support and help sustain the sector.
59. In view of the importance of Lake Kariba and other inland water bodies to the food security of the region the meeting felt that it was important that due recognition of fisheries be given in structural changes so as to support and strengthen the fisheries sector. This opportunity should be seized by both States sharing the resources of Lake Kariba in the structural changes that currently taking place. Otherwise the potential increased benefits from the joint management of the Lake will be lost.
