FISH FARMERS APPEAL FOR FUNDING

By Jessica Mwansa

THE Zambia Aquaculture Cooperative Society Limited (ZACOSO) has appealed to the local authorities to consider funding some small scale farmers in their fish farming venture.

In an interview with The Scoop, ZACOSO Secretary General Freznard Simfukwe said the fish stocks in lakes are fast depleting which may lead to a loss of livelihoods as many people depended on fish farming to sustain their livelihoods.

Mr. Simfukwe said it was important that the local authority funded fish farmers to support national capacity building for food security and grow the sector in Zambia.

“Fish farming has been a source of nutrition and financial resources for many people for many years but they lack funding.

“The sector has huge potential for economic development and poverty reduction. Therefore, we urge the local authorities to fund such ventures and consider helping the small scale farmers using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF),” Mr. Simfukwe.

He added that the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development program (ZAEDP) should consider training some farmers and help fund their businesses.

He added that if the sector was funded, it would improve the economy as a whole and bring more people on board.

 “Most people are unable to take up fish farming seriously because the farmers in the business are struggling based on the expenses of fish feed and the setup of the ponds. When the sector is funded, farmers will benefit heavily because fish farming is extremely profitable and it will help in poverty reduction.

“With available funds, it will also help increase adherence to the annual fish ban which is always problematic for authorities in the country,” he said.