APMEP invests $2.5 Million in aquaculture sector
By
Machona Kasambala
The Agriculture Productivity and Market Enhancement Project (APMEP) has invested 2.5 MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS in the aquaculture sector to benefit about 4 THOUSAND households in Siavonga, Gwembe, Sinazongwe and Serenje districts.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister MAKOZO CHIKOTE says APMEP’s support which includes fish cages, a refrigerated truck, cold chain facility, boats and other accessories will promote the growth of the aquaculture sector in Southern and Central provinces.
Speaking when he handed over 450 fish cages and 9 boats to beneficiaries in Siansowa in Sinazongwe district, Mr. CHIKOTE says the government is vigorously implementing initiatives aimed at improving production and productivity in aquaculture.
Mr. CHIKOTE commended its cooperating partners for working with the government in developing the aquaculture sector in Zambia.
APMEP is a $31.1 million African Development Bank supported project whose objective is to improve food production, develop value chains, and build capacities in districts with the highest levels of poverty and food insecurity.
The project which started in 2014 and runs unto March 2022 is contributing to the governments economic growth and poverty reduction efforts by enhancing food, income and nutrition security among participating households.
And in his welcoming remarks Southern Province Minister CORNELIUS MWEETWA says he is grateful to the new dawn government for taking support in the aquaculture sector to another level.
Mr. MWEETWA says this is in line with the vision of the government to diversify the economy by providing an alternative to economically emancipate the people of Zambia.
He observes that the community support is not just targeted at individuals and households but has effects in terms of the national economy.
And giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of Siansowa Cooperative TYSON ZISAKA says the aquaculture support will empower them to come out of poverty.
Mr. ZISAKA says the government and its cooperating partners have addressed a lot of challenges that hindered the small-scale fishers to venture into commercial fish farming through cage farming
