Brighton Gumbo Business Reporter
THE European Union has set aside $4.5 million to finance aquaculture projects in eight selected districts in the country as part of its food security and nutrition cluster support. The funding covers projects that began in October 2013 and ends in October 2017. World Vision International-Zimbabwe, Basilizwi Trust and Aquaculture Zimbabwe are implementing partners of projects that are in Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Insiza, Beitbridge, Mwenezi, Masvingo and Umzingwane.

The Zhulube project in Insiza district was officially commissioned recently at a function that was attended by Agriculture Deputy Minister responsible for livestock, Paddy Zhanda. The district livestock specialist Sarah Disman said the project’s total funding was $2,000.

“The Zhulube Aquaculture project is part of the $4.5 million EU funded programme and according to our business plan the total cost for the project is $2,166 and the expected income for the nine-year’s harvest is $7,980,” said Disman.

She said the overall objective of the EU programme was to improve food security for 9,000 vulnerable households. The Zhulube project is targeting 40 beneficiaries.

Zhanda said aquaculture was an untapped opportunity in the country and urged beneficiaries to work hard. A World Vision official, Khumbulani Ndlovu, said fish ponds will be constructed in all the eight districts. “The idea is to promote the concept of integrated agriculture which will enhance food security,” said Ndlovu.