AQUACULTURE Development of Zambia (ADAZ) says creating synergies in the value chain among fish farmers will spur economic growth in the sector.
ADAZ chairperson Fisho Mwale said the association will continue supporting initiatives aimed at developing the fish farming sub-sector.
He said the establishment of more research centres is critical to the growth of the aquaculture sector.
Mr Mwale said engaging fish farmers, seed producers, processors, research, government agencies, local and international partners, among others, will facilitate the development of a sustainable, diversified and competitive aquaculture sector that assures the country of food and nutrition security.
He said this at a workshop dubbed ‘Creating inter-linkages among aquaculture stakeholders in Zambia’ on Monday.
“We both have realised that a private sector-driven initiative is more viable and likely to succeed. We have taken interest in certain areas, which we would want to develop; such as setting up a research centre to enable us know where we are coming from and what we want to develop. For example, what fish is best for our environment,” Mr Mwale said.
Commenting on the workshop, Mr Mwale said the objective of the meeting is to train various stakeholders to strengthen and develop an effective system that will help players in the industry address challenges affecting them.
Mr Mwale said establishing linkages among aquaculture sector actors will help unlock the potential of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises in the sector.
Earlier, ADAZ treasury Adrian Piers said Zambia’s fish farming sector is slowly making a positive economic impact on the livelihood of the people.
Mr Piers said with good technology and skills, trying to grow other fish species can help create innovations and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the country.
