Empowering Women Through Fish Farming: The Impact of Macheke Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme

More than Just Fish

By Ilyana Sithole

In a show tenacity and empowerment, living no one and no place behind, 36 year old Natsikai Patience Biza, a female beneficiary of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme in Macheke, is transforming her life and that of her family through fish farming. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has instituted the project to increase food security and improve livelihoods in rural communities.

Despite many odds, Natsikai’s story brings to light the potentials of women in agriculture. “If it weren’t for this scheme, I might not even be a fish farmer,” she reflects, pointing to the financial hurdles that often become the barrier to women’s access to credit and loans needed to start or grow their businesses.

Another big challenge is limited access to technical knowledge. Most women, like Natsikai, are not trained to properly handle fish farms, and this can significantly reduce production. Besides, cultural and social norms limit women’s participation in economic activities, making it difficult for them to claim their rightful place in the farming community. “When we get to the market, at times they say, ‘Women, can you please stand aside so that we serve men?'” Natsikai illustrates, showing the existing gender prejudices.

Besides, the heavy burden of household chores leaves most women with little time to invest in farming. Climate change and environmental degradation further complicate the situation, affecting both fish productivity and sustainability.

But Natsikai is hopeful: “No matter what challenges may come my way, I am now able to care for my children, and whenever people meet me, I am very much respected because of this project.” The project has created opportunities in which women benefit by creating their own income and increasing food availability, hence a boost to enterprise.

Apart from empowering women like Natsikai, the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme has a lot of advantages in creating jobs and networking. Through cooperation, they can share knowledge and resources, thereby helping each other surmount potential setbacks that might occur in fish farming. “With the ministry addressing challenges and harnessing the opportunities, women like me in the rural areas can now successfully venture into fish farming to improve our livelihoods, food security, and economic empowerment,” says Natsikai.

At a fisheries pond stocking event at Changwe B Farm, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development Hon. Davis Marapira said the government is set to distribute 32000 fingerlings to the beneficiaries in Murewa, today and 10000 in Mudzi. “We expect people, from war veterans to women and youth, to look after these fish. If we create an industry here, we create employment,” he said, showing the commitment of the government toward the development of the rural areas.

The plan is consistent with the general objectives of the ministry to advance food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic development. The fishery project should become a one-billion-dollar economy for Zimbabwe come 2030, according to officials.

In a poignant message to the youth, Hon. Marapira urged them to seek productive avenues instead of resorting to drug and substance abuse. “With these fish, I hope the youth in this community will see how fish farming can improve their lives,” he said.

As Natsikai continues to thrive, her story becomes the case in point for how focused efforts can empower women, strengthen communities, and open a path to a brighter future.