Purpose of the Policy
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2023) provides a framework to sustainably manage Zambia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. It aims to:
- Enhance food security and nutrition.
- Promote sustainable fisheries management.
- Support economic growth and livelihoods.
- Encourage climate resilience and environmental protection.
- Strengthen institutional frameworks and governance.
Key Policy Objectives
- Sustainable Management of Natural Fisheries
- Enforce fishing regulations to prevent overfishing.
- Promote community-based fisheries management.
- Protect and restore aquatic ecosystems.
- Development of the Aquaculture Sector
- Expand fish farming for increased production.
- Support small-scale and commercial aquaculture enterprises.
- Improve access to quality fish seed and feed.
- Enhancing Market Access and Value Addition
- Develop fish processing and preservation industries.
- Improve infrastructure such as cold storage and transport networks.
- Strengthen export opportunities for Zambian fish products.
- Governance, Research, and Capacity Building
- Strengthen institutional capacity for policy implementation.
- Support fisheries research and innovation.
- Promote public-private partnerships in the fisheries sector.
- Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
- Implement climate adaptation strategies for fisheries and aquaculture.
- Promote eco-friendly fish farming practices.
- Reduce pollution and habitat destruction in water bodies.
Implementation & Monitoring
- The Ministry will collaborate with stakeholders, local communities, and private sector players.
- A monitoring and evaluation framework will track policy effectiveness.
- Funding will be mobilized from government, donors, and private investors.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased fish production and availability.
- Improved income and employment in the fisheries sector.
- Sustainable management of natural water bodies.
- Strengthened food security and nutrition for Zambians.
This policy serves as a strategic roadmap for ensuring a thriving, resilient, and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sector in Zambia.
