By NATION REPORTER
THE Policy Monitoring and Research Center (PMRC), has noted that while the national fisheries and aquaculture policy has made great strides in addressing challenges faced in and aquaculture sector, there is need to strengthen aquaculture cooperatives in order to reduce the risk of offering credit.
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PMRC Executive Director, Sydney Mwamba, said small scale farmers could co-guarantee each other in case of default.
Mr Mwamba also said these cooperatives could be linked to commercial off-takers or be galvanised into one marketing cooperative that would have its own distribution channels.
“These channels could then be supported to penetrate regional markets. To enhance the economic prospects of fish farmers and create valuable job opportunities, it is recommended to establish processing and export facilities within the fish farming sector.
These facilities will add value to the produce, expand market reach, and contribute to the growth of the local economy,” Mr Mwamba said.
He said “There is need to promote innovation and specific research into feed production. This would allow for sourcing of local materials to substitute expensive imported raw materials. This would consequently reduce the cost of production and make Zambia’s fish more competitive in the region.
He said, there is also need to hasten the establishment of the enforcement unit for aquaculture, this unit has a key role to play in curbing or slowing down illegal, unregulated and unreported fisheries as well as contributing to higher compliance levels.
Mr Mwamba said in order to address the challenges of overfishing and support the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, it is recommended to implement a comprehensive strategy that combines increased sensitisation on preservation with the introduction of alternative income generation opportunities for local fishermen.
He said this strategy can involve the establishment of cage farming or fish ponds, which not only provide sustainable livelihood options but also contribute to reducing the pressure on wild fish populations during fishing bans.
“There is need to provide more resources to support the co-management structures. This will enable local communities to participate in the conservation of water bodies and biodiversity which can lead to more effective and sustainable conservation efforts.
There is need to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation framework for the policy. This framework should encompass specific targets, assigned responsibilities and well-defined timelines,” he said.
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