FISH4ACP drives inclusive aquaculture growth in Zimbabwe

Mutasa District, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector is undergoing a transformation, powered by local innovation and strengthened by the FISH4ACP project, an initiative implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe. 

With financial support from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project is tackling long-standing barriers to the growth in fish production through practical, community-driven solutions.

A recent site visit in Manicaland Province showcased how targeted interventions in local fish feed production and access to quality fingerlings, are delivering tangible improvements for smallholder fish farmers, especially women and youth.

“FISH4ACP is more than just a project; it's a pathway for inclusive, climate-resilient growth in Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector,” said Paul Mwera, FISH4ACP project coordinator in Zimbabwe. “By localizing feed production and building decentralized input systems, we’re making the value chain work better for the people who need it most,” he added.

From fish meal to Black Soldier Fly: Lowering feed costs at Aquadelicacy

In the heart of Honde Valley, local entrepreneur Fortune Garapo, who runs Aquadelicacy, is currently producing fish feed using traditional protein sources like fish meal. With support from FISH4ACP, including a grinding mill, fodder choppers, and technical assistance, he is preparing to transition to Black Soldier Fly (BSF) based feed, which offers higher protein content and significantly lower production costs.

“Right now, I am producing feed at about USD 1 per kilogram using conventional ingredients,” explained Fortune Garapo. “With BSF, I can bring that down to between USD 60 to 75 cents. That’s a big saving! not just for me, but for hundreds of farmers who buy feed from me.”

This shift is expected to improve affordability for the 300 farmers (44% women) currently served by Aquadelicacy, while promoting sustainable practices by repurposing organic waste and producing BSF frass that can be used as a natural fertilizer and pesticide in local banana farms.  Aquadelicacy projects to produce 2 tons per month of Black Soldier fly-based feed.

Women-Led fingerling distribution: A step toward self-sufficiency

The site visits also highlighted the success of a women-led fingerling distribution hub in Honde Valley. Supported by FISH4ACP, the group received seven tanks with a capacity of 420 000 fingerlings, along with 40 000 fingerlings and feed. They further mobilized resources to purchase an additional 68 000, totaling 108 000 fingerlings, which were sold to 52 farmers at USD 60 per thousand. “The expected harvest from these sales is nearly 27 tons,” said Martha Mustabangwe, the group’s Chairperson. The hub has the potential to move 2 million fingerlings during one season, which translates to at least 600 tons of fish valued at USD1.8 million.

“Before this hub, we relied on poor-quality, inbred fingerlings from far-off places,” said Loveness Matanda, a member of the Women-Led Fingerling Hub. “Now we get strong fingerlings locally, and our survival rates have improved dramatically,” she added.

The women have set their sights on expanding into hatchery operations, further increasing local capacity and improving the sustainability of the aquaculture ecosystem in the region.

Adding value at Haggai Farm

In Mutasa District, Haggai Farm was already producing BSF before the project’s intervention. With support from FISH4ACP - including BSF starter colonies, greenhouses, fodder choppers, and technical assistance - and collaboration with Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), the farm is now building capacity to add value by producing fish feed from BSF.

“We have always known BSF was valuable,” said Godfrey Chironda, farm owner. “Now, with the support from FISH4ACP, I can convert my BSF into commercial fish feed and sell to feed producers like Garapo, who plans to source up to 2 tonnes of BSF per month.”

This partnership creates a localized, circular economy that strengthens supply chains and promotes environmental sustainability.

Government endorsement of inclusive development

Speaking at the site visit, Sithokozile Sibanda, Director of Livestock Production in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, praised the collaboration between development partners and the government.

“These success stories show how EU, BMZ and FAO support is aligned with our national agricultural and fisheries development policies. The FISH4ACP project is not only transforming fish farming, but also empowering communities, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods, especially for women and youth in rural areas,” stated Sithokozile Sibanda. 

A broader impact

Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, underscored the project’s transformative impact, “This is more than just technical progress—we’re seeing meaningful change in people’s lives. Women and youth are stepping up, incomes are improving, and communities are becoming more resilient. This is what inclusive development truly looks like,” he added.

“What impressed me most was the determination and strategic mindset shown by farmers, particularly women,” said Sara Piccoli, Programme Manager for Agriculture, Environment, Private Sector and Trade at the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe. “FISH4ACP is not only strengthening aquaculture value chains—it’s building entrepreneurial capacity and confidence at the grassroots level. I encourage these emerging agripreneurs to continue using data-driven approaches to grow their enterprises and inspire wider transformation.” 

The FISH4ACP project is closely aligned with Zimbabwe’s national strategies for climate resilience and sustainable development. In the face of rising temperatures and increasing water scarcity. Both of which threaten production systems and ecosystems. FAO is championing solutions such as species diversification and selective breeding to boost adaptive capacity.

As FISH4ACP moves forward, it is helping to build a resilient and inclusive aquaculture sector, grounded in local expertise, empowered farmers, and shared innovation.