FAO strengthening inclusive aquaculture development in Zimbabwe
Harare - A two-day hybrid workshop scheduled for 2–3 September 2025 is set to validate the Farmed Tilapia Value Chain Inclusion Toolkit and equip community-level trainers with leadership and assertiveness skills. Organized under the auspices of the global aquatic value chain development programme FISH4ACP, the workshop brings together stakeholders from government ministries, civil society, and aquaculture practitioners to finalize a toolkit designed to enhance the participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector.
“This workshop marks a pivotal step in transforming Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector into a more inclusive and equitable space. By validating the Tilapia Value Chain Inclusion Toolkit and investing in grassroots leadership, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth that leaves no one behind," said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.
Day one of the workshop focuses on presenting and validating the draft Inclusion Toolkit, which has been developed through extensive fieldwork, literature reviews, and participatory consultations. Participants drawn from key fisheries and aquaculture value chains will review the toolkit’s modules, share experiences, and provide feedback to strengthen its practical application while ensuring that the toolkit reflects grassroots realities and policy alignment.
On day two, the spotlight shifts to capacity building through a Training of Trainers exercise. More than 15 selected trainers, primarily extension agents and cluster leads, will be equipped with leadership and assertiveness skills essential for community-level implementation of the toolkit. Through interactive sessions, group exercises, and practical planning, the workshop aims to foster a cadre of empowered trainers capable of driving inclusive aquaculture development across Zimbabwe.
"The development of this Inclusion Toolkit is a product of deep collaboration and grassroots engagement. It reflects the voices and realities of women, youth, and marginalized groups in aquaculture. As AQUAZIM, we are proud to have contributed to a resource that not only informs policy but also empowers communities to lead change from the ground upwards," said Blessing Mapfumo, AQUAZIM.
Following the successful validation of the Farmed Tilapia Value Chain Inclusion Toolkit in Mutare, Zimbabwe, stakeholders will gear up for its strategic roll-out. The toolkit, developed under FISH4ACP, is designed to empower women, youth, and marginalized groups to actively participate in aquaculture value chains. Its implementation marks a significant milestone in promoting equity and sustainability in Zimbabwe’s fisheries sector.
The next phase will see the final version of the toolkit disseminated to key actors including government ministries, NGOs, and financial institutions. A roster of trained community-level facilitators, primarily extension agents and cluster leads, will begin localized training sessions using the Leadership and Assertiveness Manual. These sessions aim to build capacity at the grassroots level, ensuring that the toolkit is not only understood but effectively applied.
"For too long, people with disabilities and other marginalized communities have been excluded from meaningful participation in aquaculture development. This toolkit is a game-changer, it recognizes our potential and provides practical pathways for inclusion. We are excited to be part of this process and look forward to seeing real change at the community level," said Johane Marufu from the Zimbabwe Sports Association for People with Disabilities.
In parallel, FISH4ACP and AQUAZIM will collaborate with strategic ministries to integrate the toolkit into national aquaculture programmes. A participatory monitoring framework will be established to track progress and impact, while efforts to mobilize resources and forge partnerships will support long-term sustainability. Through knowledge sharing and advocacy, the project hopes to inspire broader reforms and foster inclusive growth across the aquaculture sector.
About FISH4ACP
Led by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), FISH4ACP is an initiative aimed at making fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific more productive and sustainable to contribute to food and nutrition security, economic prosperity and job creation.
In Zimbabwe, FISH4ACP is working to build a more productive and sustainable tilapia value chain while increasing incomes and employment among small-scale fish farmers, particularly women, youth and people with disabilities.