By Blessing Muchineripi
Vimbai Mlambo (63), a grandmother of two from Tavengwa village under Chief Chitsa in Gutu district, has become a successful fish farmer despite living in an area characterised by mid-season dry spells and high temperatures.
Vimbai’s journey into fish farming began after attending a workshop organised by Chinyika Community Development Trust (CCDT) in 2021, which ignited her passion for aquaculture.
“The workshop, themed ‘Without Water, There is No Life,’ opened my eyes to the possibilities of fish farming,” says Vimbai.
“I decided to defy the odds of water scarcity and began implementing fish farming to supplement my family’s diet,” she says.
Dr. Paul Muchineripi (76), the founder for Chinyika Community Development Trust says fish farming has given a lifeline to farmers in Chinyika.
“In dry areas like Gutu, where water is scarce, fish farming not only provides a reliable source of protein but also acts as a vital economic activity for families,” says Dr. Muchineripi.
Motivated by her newfound knowledge, Vimbai set out to establish her fish pond in 2022. She meticulously followed each step, clearing the land of vegetation and debris, removing topsoil, and carefully marking the boundaries of her pond.
“Building a fish pond is a labour-intensive process. I had to dig and shape it precisely, ensuring it would hold water effectively. Once the pond was ready, I lined it with a pond liner, filled it with water, and added plants and rocks to create a healthy environment for the fish,” she says.
Despite its benefits, Vimbai acknowledges the challenges.
“Starting a fish farm requires significant investment in materials, and the labour involved can be daunting. I had to enlist the help of other local community members. By 2028, I aim to expand my fish farming operation to create more jobs for local youth and enhance community health through better nutrition,” adds Vimbai.
Heaven Mashingaidze (24), a passionate young farmer from Chaseyama, a region that shares similar climatic conditions to Chinyika, shares Vimbai’s vision.
“Agroecology is the future for us. It combines traditional farming methods with modern techniques to create sustainable systems,” he says.
“I believe that by embracing agroecology and integrating fish farming, we can empower our communities and build resilience against climate change,” adds Heaven.
Through their efforts, Vimbai and Heaven exemplify the potential of fish farming to transform livelihoods in their communities.
“When communities invest in sustainable practices like fish farming, they not only secure their future but also foster a healthier, more prosperous society,” says Dr. Muchineripi.
