Eliah Saushoma recently in Binga
KAPENTA fishermen in Binga are counting losses due to deteriorating output linked to climate change impact, which has resulted in low rainfall in the last two seasons.

The Binga community is known for kapenta (matemba/amatemba) fishing, which is a source of livelihood for many individuals and corporatives.

Climate change is a global phenomenon referring to changes in global or regional climate patterns, in particular since the mid to late 20th century onwards. The trend is attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced due to human activities such as the use of fossil fuels.

Mr Charles Mukombwe, one of the affected fishermen, says their business is no longer the same as the catch is falling owing to climate change factors.

“Truly speaking it is worrisome that there is no more kapenta in the Zambezi River compared to what we used to get in the past years. It’s like kapenta fish is fast running out,” he told Chronicle Business.

“We don’t know how people are going to survive and where the co-operatives will put these boats as the water level continues to fall. The situation has been worsened by poaching. You find that we have people who catch fish at breeding areas and it’s so bad. How then do you expect the fish to multiply?

“It looks like we are now going into our full moon shut down. We will not be going into the water for a week but some people take advantage during this break to fish from prohibited areas.”

Mr Mukombwe said the drop in kapenta output was evidence that climate change is real and feared that most operators would be left stranded. He said as operators they were also facing a problem of inadequate fuel supply, which has seen some dealers opting for payment in kind.

“Imagine someone coming from Bulawayo or Hwange to sell 100 litres of fuel for a bag of kapenta, which then means we would have parted with US$165 to US185,” he said.

Mr Big Mwembe, a private operator, also bemoaned the high tariffs charged by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

“We have been making money over the years but it seems there is no more Kapenta to catch. Maybe because it is no longer raining. Fish breed more when it is raining but there is no rain.

“We have been playing cat and mouse with authorities over permits. But look, where do I get US$2 000 to get a permit. I must work first and get the money so that I pay them,” said Mr Mwembe.

“You know tourism was big business here in Binga and it had downstream effects. We used to benefit from tourists who visited Binga. We knew that any tourist who could come to Binga would not go back without fish.”

Mr Future Muleya said it was disappointing that most fishing operators and tour companies were now parking their house boats because of reduced activity.

“Many of us have now turned to alternative businesses such as grocery shops, flea markets, bars just to mention but a few,” he said.

“We must feed our families hence this step. It’s the proceeds we get from fishing that we can then reinvest in taking up the tourism projects. We appeal to Government and local authorities to reduce tariffs.”

The National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy (2020-2025) acknowledges the significance of fisheries as a critical value chain component in the economy. Developing relevant infrastructure in Binga such as an airstrip, beach resort, and boutique hotel, is paramount.

The Government has expressed desire to attract new investments in Binga and build on existing facilities and improved accessibility made possible by the opening of a new border post with Zambia.

The proposed Beach Resort and a boutique hotel in Binga will be developed to unlock an estimated US$200 million in investments.