By NAMO PHIRI
The World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Zambia has called on the government to invest more in the management of the fisheries in order for it to reap more benefits from the sector.
WWF Country Director Nachilala Nkombo said research had shown that over 1 million people in Zambia depend on the fisheries sector which makes it a vital part even for the economic development.
Ms Nkombo also added that the fisheries sector was one of the most viable employer in the country hence the need to enhance it through massive investment for it to create more employment for Zambians.
She said the sector can also contribute to the eradication of the high levels of malnutrition which the country was being faced with.
“It is a known fact that Zambia is one of the countries with the highest levels of malnutrition, but this situation can be turned around with good management of the fisheries sector,” said Ms Nkombo
Ms Nkombo was speaking during the launch of the upper Zambezi fisheries baseline survey report in Lusaka yesterday.
And Ms Nkombo emphasised the need for more research to be done in order to appreciate the challenges that the sector is being faced with in order to bring solutions.
She said WWF believed that investing in research would help to ensure that potential hindrances are quickly recognized and dealt with.
Ms Nkombo also said the report had revealed very important policy implications that need to be paid attention to by the government and other stakeholders going forward.
And Permanent Secretary at the ministry of fisheries and livestock Dr Anna Songolo said government is keen to ensuring that fish production is increased.
Dr Nsogolo therefore said issues that are affecting the sector need to be reported in order to ensure that the government acts on time.
She commended WWF for their efforts and the report that they had released further encouraging them to release such reports on short time intervals and consistently because information is vital.
Dr Nsogolo also said the government had taken note of the challenges that were being faced by the sector and action would be taken to make improvements.
