Aquaculture in Zambia dates back to the 1940s
when the first attempts were made to raise indigenous species of the Cichlidae
family, mainly tilapias, in dams and earthen fish ponds in selected missionary stations
and Chilanga farm in Lusaka.
A number of donors have subsequently taken an
active part in assisting the government to encourage farmers to adopt
aquaculture. This has been done by introducing pond culture in rural areas as a
way of improving nutrition. The government has provided extension services
which have made a marked improvement to fish culture activities. There are also
over 15 active large commercial fish farms mostly spread along the line of rail
in the Copperbelt, Lusaka and Southern provinces where ideal business
conditions exist.
Commercial farms are also found in Northern,
Luapula, Central and North western Provinces.
Recent FAO reports indicate that Zambia’s per
capita fish consumption is 6kg which has declined from 12kg in the 1980s. This
decline could be attributed to the rapid increase in the national population
coupled with stagnation of volumes of produced fish. According to the Central
Statistics Office, the human population for the year 2015 was projected to be
at 15, 473, 905. In order to achieve a 12kg per capita fish consumption rate
using locally produced fish, the country requires an annual production figure
of 185, 687 MT. This is against the current local production of 106, 472 MT
which could only result in the per capita consumption of around 7kg. Therefore,
the current deficit if the country has to achieve 12kg per capita fish
consumption per annum stands at 79, 215 MT (DOF 2016). And this presents the
biggest opportunity in fish farming in Zambia.
However what factors should one consider before
starting a fish farming business? Let’s look at some of these factors:
1. Technical Know-how/Planning
Fish farming like any other successful business
requires an enormous amount of planning, knowledge and skills before venturing into
it. An extensive study of fish production techniques and cost of equipment are
necessary. When researching for a prospective fish farm, you have to know the
conditions surrounding the proposed location, the water source in the area, the
amount of water flowing from it, the water’s rate and temperature. Also the
level of conduciveness of the structures around the fish farm and other natural
resources available within the area of jurisdiction has to be put into
consideration.
2. Registration/Licensing
Registration makes your business legitimate.
You will have to register your fish farming business as required for you to
operate.
3. The Choice of Fishes to Cultivate
Selecting the species of fish is important, to
determine the appropriate techniques – pond or tank. You can go for catfish or
tilapia, but you should choose the right fish for your expertise.
4. Financial Analysis
Construction design including construction
drawings and specifications, detailed equipment lists and costs; operating
costs, cost of fingerlings, fish feed, electricity and fuel, labour,
maintenance, transportation; capital costs, land & buildings, building
ponds/raceways, plumbing & pipes tanks & aerators, oxygen meters, nets
& boots, etc.
5. Economics (Start Small)
This is getting started with the number of
fingerlings you can manage. Having a regimented amount of fishes allows you–for
a start–to manage the factors that come with fish cultivation, such as food,
water and weather conditions.
6. Available Markets
You should consider your market and those you
intend to target before going into fish farming. Once a market is available for
your products, then you will check if demand is high all year round for some or
all of your products; and also have alternative marketing strategy and sales
plan in the situation of glut.
7. Environmental
Factors/Hazards
Environment matters a lot because your farm
might be exposed to potential hazards and threats such as vandals, insects,
birds, snakes and cats. Environmental condition could be affiliated to climatic
conditions too, like amount of rainfall, sunshine, etc. Environmental
conditions/hazards determine the kind of habitat to be built for fish farming.
Now could be a great time for you to enter the
aquaculture industry, as fish farming is a profitable business. Fish have high
market value and demand in the Zambia, as well as a promising future as a
source of income around the world.
Author Bio:
John Chiseba Mwamba
Fish farming
consultant at Innovative Farmers and Aquaculture Consultants Zambia Limited.
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