ROLES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK IN SIAVONGA DISTRICT

The Department plays a vital role in enhancing food security supporting livelihoods and promoting sustainable use of natural resources within the district.

DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

The department of fisheries plays a critical and multifaceted role in managing the rich aquatic resources of the area, primarily focusing on lake Kariba. We ensure the sustainable use and growth of the local finishing industry, balancing conservation efforts with economic development to benefit the community.

THE CORE FUNCTIONS:

It’s structured into two dynamic sections that cover the entire spectrum of fisheries management and development in the district.

1.Capture Fisheries and Extension Services

This section is the backbone of lake management and focuses on the wild fishery sector and ensuring compliance within the fishing villages.

• Licensing and regulation: The department oversee the legal framework for fishing operations, ensuring all fishers operate with valid licenses. This helps in tracking effort and maintaining a sustainable stock.
• Strengthening of fishing villages (Co-management): The department actively engage with local fishing communities to establish and strengthen co-management structures. This vital work empowers the fishers themselves to become stewards of the lake, promoting shared responsibility for resource management and law enforcement.
• Law enforcement our team patrols the waters to enforce fisheries legislation, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. This is crucial for protecting vulnerable fish stocks and safeguarding the lake’s ecological health.

2. Aquaculture Extension and Advisory Services

Dedicated to the future of fish production and productivity, this section supports the rapidly growing fish farming sector, particularly in the water of Lake Kariba in cages.

• Research and Extension Services: The department provide cutting-edge, scientifically- backed advice to cage fish farmers. Our extension services cover everything from best feeding practices and disease management to selecting the most suitable fish species for local conditions, ensuring high yields and profitability.
• Promoting sustainable farming: The department work closely with farmers to adopt environmentally sound aquaculture techniques, minimizing impact on the lake ecosystem while maximizing production efficiency.