Chimanimani fisheries increases food security

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

FISHERIES projects that are being undertaken by rural communities in Chimanimani are increasing food security. This has been proved by 25 farmers in Chanuhwa Village under Chief Muusha in Ward 17.

The farmers received fisheries projects from a youth-led organisation named Valley of Hope (VOH), with support from the United Nations Development Funds Global Environment Facility under the Small Grants Programme.

Biriiri and most parts of Chimanimani Lowveld area are prone to climate induced disasters, especially droughts, thus food shortages.

On May 8, 2025, VOH, in partnership with government arms, hosted a fisheries field day at Village Head Muusha’s homestead. The event encouraged farmers to tap into the potential of fish production to enhance their livelihoods.

Speaking during the event, District Fisheries Coordinator, Mirriam Ndamuka was impressed with how women participated in food security.

I am happy to see women doing fisheries projects. This helps to transform our communities. We would like to see you continue with these projects even after donour funding, she said.

Agritex Supervisor for Biriiri, Richmore Mufudza indicated that fish farming is the way to go.

“Fish farming brings money that enables farmers to pay school fees, support funerals and increase food security. With fish farming you are in the right track. I encourage those who havent started to join the projects, he said.

Apart from increased food security, improved income and job creation for rural communities, fish farming plays a vital role in building resilience to climate-related disasters, such as droughts and floods.