Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Prudence Chinama-Kangwa, has called for the revitalisation of fish farming facilities and improved access to affordable fingerlings and fish feed to restore the province’s position as a leading fishing region.
Kangwa said aquaculture presented an opportunity to advance the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda through increased production, job creation, improved incomes and enhanced food security.
She was speaking during a courtesy call by GIZ Lusaka Sustainable Aquatic Food Project Adviser, Mazuba Muzyamba.
The permanent secretary highlighted the need to recapitalise the Fyongoli facility in Mansa and expedite the transition process affecting the Samfya aquapark to boost fingerling production and reduce costs for farmers.
She said Luapula could replicate its progress in maize production by supporting fish farming cooperatives, schools and emerging farmers.
“The project plans to pilot the inclusion of fish in school meals in five schools, creating a market for small-scale farmers while improving learners’ nutrition,” Kangwa said.
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She said the project was also promoting locally formulated fish feed using materials such as soya beans and sunflower.
The approach would create additional markets for local farmers while reducing reliance on expensive feed transported from other parts of the country, she said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Principal Fisheries Officer, Amon Foloweza, said strengthening local fingerling production was important to reducing costs and expanding aquaculture across the province.
Foloweza said the availability of affordable fingerlings locally would enable more farmers to venture into fish farming.
“The initiatives are expected to strengthen the fish value chain while supporting the Grow Zambia Agenda through agricultural diversification, local production and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
According to the provincial administration, the GIZ-supported Sustainable Aquatic Food Project is working with the administration to enhance aquaculture development.
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