As Lake Kariba faces increasing fishing pressure, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is advocating for the expansion of aquaculture practices to safeguard the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
The initiative aims to alleviate the strain on wild fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing for future generations.
Speaking at a recent workshop in Siavonga, Zambia, Milton Makumbe, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production, highlighted the urgent need to reduce reliance on wild-caught fish from Lake Kariba.
“We need to introduce aquaculture into our communities to lessen the pressure on our shared water resource,” Makumbe emphasized. “The policies implemented in Zimbabwe should serve as a model for Zambia as we both depend on Lake Kariba.”
Over the years, Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest man-made lakes, has suffered from overfishing and environmental factors, leading to a significant decline in fish stocks. Studies reveal that a staggering 80% of local fishermen have reported a decrease in their catch, raising concerns about the long-term viability of traditional fishing practices.
Aquaculture or fish farming, offers a promising solution. By cultivating fish in controlled environments, it can supplement wild fish populations and provide a reliable source of protein for local communities.
As the region grapples with the challenges of overfishing and environmental degradation, the adoption of aquaculture presents a sustainable path forward for both ecological preservation and economic development.
