T E C H N I C A L    C O O P E R A T I O N    P R O G R A M M E

ZIMBABWE

prepared for the project
Formulation Mission in Aquaculture Development

based on the work of

C. Nugent and D. Campbell
Fishculture Extension Experts

This report was prepared during the course of the project identified on the title page. The conclusions and recommendations given in the report are those considered appropriate at the time of its preparation. They may be modified in the light of further knowledge gained at subsequent stages of the project.

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations or the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory or sea area, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 1988

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

3. PROJECT PROPOSALS

4. THE HENDERSON AQUACULTURE FARM

5. GWEBI AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

6. COLD COMFORT FARM TRUST

7. SMALL WATER-BODIES (SWB)

8. FRY PRODUCTION

9. RESEARCH COLLABORATION

Appendix 1: Recommendations for the rehabilitation of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm

Appendix 2: Itinerary and persons met: D. Campbell

Appendix 3: Itinerary and persons met: C. Nugent

Appendix 4: Project Proposal

Appendix 5: United Nations Development Programme Project of the Government of Zimbabwe

1. INTRODUCTION

Following a request from the Government of Zimbabwe for a formulation mission in the field of aquaculture development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provided assistance through its Technical Cooperation Programme.

FAO assigned Mr D. Campbell, Fishculture Expert, to carry out a first mission of two weeks in December 1987 to assess the extent of rehabilitation works needed to reactivate the Henderson Aquaculture Farm (Appendix 1).

Mr C. Nugent undertook a second mission in February to finalize the project proposal for the rehabilitation of the station and prepare a proposal for a follow-up project for the development of an extension and training programme of rural aquaculture.

This report summarizes the results of the two missions.

The consultants' itineraries and lists of persons met are given in Appendixes 2 and 3 respectively.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Until now, progress in aquaculture has been held up by difficulties in assigning responsibilities between different Ministries. Negotiations between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, traditionally responsible for fisheries, and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement (MLARR), who run a large structure for agricultural extension and extension support (Agritex), have recently resulted in an agreement whereby they will collaborate in the field of aquaculture, and that in particular Agritex should initiate a programme of aquaculture development concentrating on the rural communal areas. This agreement apparently exists in writing and opens the way to a significant development programme for aquaculture.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement do not have the infrastructure or the expertise to build up the aquaculture programme. However, they do possess fish-farming facilities at the Henderson Agricultural Research Station; these were abandoned during the war and no longer function. The Government of Zimbabwe has requested assistance for the rehabilitation of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm which would then serve as a focus for extension, training and demonstration in aquaculture.

Initial short-term assistance is needed immediately to put the farm back into service and a comprehensive management plan initiated for fry production and demonstration of appropriate techniques. It would also prepare the ground for a broader based programme of extension, training and applied research. The Government departments concerned have given priority to this and have already identified the personnel who would collaborate with such a project.

To build on the foundations provided by such initial assistance, the Government have expressed interest in a broader based follow-up project which they intend to submit for UNDP assistance. This would essentially develop a programme of extension and training, as well as actively improving the available techniques for rural aquaculture through demonstrations, pilot-schemes and applied research. An important part of this follow-up would be oriented toward developing better management strategies for small water-bodies of which a very large number already exist in Zimbabwe.

3. PROJECT PROPOSALS

Two project proposals were prepared in consultation with the Government departments concerned.

• an FAO/TCP funded project (1988–89) to initiate aquaculture activities and to rehabilitate the Henderson Aquaculture Farm (Appendix 4)

• this would be followed up by a 3-year project to develop aquaculture extension and training by Agritex, and would include pond aquaculture as well as a programme of development of fish production from small water-bodies (Appendix 5).

The proposals were conceived as a coordinate 4-year programme aimed at introducing aquaculture to and strengthening existing Government institutions. These projects would also have an important role of catalysing productive collaboration between a number of institutions in Zimbabwe with interests in aquaculture.

The two proposals were designed to run consecutively. The exact starting dates will depend on obtention of external assistance, but it is important that the first phase starts before September which is the beginning of the (warmer) culture season. To delay much later would make it difficult to obtain results from the management of the farm before the end of the one-year project.

4. THE HENDERSON AQUACULTURE FARM

Rehabilitation of this farm will certainly be the most rapid way of restarting pond-culture operations. There was already in February sufficient water in the canal to fill the ponds - and some of these were in the process of being cleaned ready for filling. The back-up water pump will be necessary, and in addition the sump arrangement should be built and positioned to allow recuperation of seepage water that can be recovered at the bottom of the slope. For additional details please refer to Appendix 1.

Twenty-five men would be required for the repairs and a team of five is the minimum necessary for station duties thereafter. The Government should take steps as soon as possible to maintain at least this number on the station.

The buildings can be renovated as they are still in good condition, having recently been used as a rural information centre.

The laboratory equipment has been concentrated more on apparatus needed for field analysis. Laboratory back-up is available elsewhere on the site and could be requested for specific urgent interventions.

Fry production (tilapia) will be the first priority of the farm; this will require a well devised management plan to make good use of the ponds which are either very small (38 × 100 m²) or rather large (4 × 4 000 m²).

Some ponds will be set aside for demonstration of fish production techniques in communal areas. While manure wastes from the existing research facilities for pig-rearing could be a useful input for the station ponds as a whole, the demonstration ponds should probably have smaller pig-raising units directly associated with them.

5. GWEBI AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

There are two agricultural colleges, Gwebi and Chibero, preparing students for the National Diploma in Agriculture (intake: “O” levels plus one year's experience of farming; 3-year course). The MLARR, through its Department of Agricultural Education, wishes to prepare students for future aquaculture extension efforts by introducing fish-farming into the syllabus.

A visit was organized to Gwebi Agricultural College to discuss this possibility with the Principal and with the Chief of Agricultural Education, and to visit a potential site for fish-ponds as a training facility.

Integrating fish-culture into the Animal Husbandry subject major would not present a problem, and it was suggested that the FAO Aquaculturist/Trainer could assist in preparing the fish-culture syllabus. Outside lecturers could be used but it will be necessary to provide some training for one of the permanent Animal Husbandry lecturers at the college. This could be done through a study tour to gain experience of well established small-scale fish culture elsewhere in Africa, and by regular visits to Henderson Agricultural Research Station when it is possible to set up demonstration ponds.

The college plans to construct fish-ponds this year as a practical training facility. An extremely small pond area was originally planned, but it was recommended that a minimum of five ponds of 500 m² each (25 ares total) should be considered for training personnel of this level. Water will be from a borehole, and the ponds will use manure wastes from other operations of the college farm. Two sites were considered - one close to the night storage dam, the other close to the piggery. A soil check should be made by MLARR specialists to determine the final choice of site for the ponds. The ponds will be built by the Ministry of Construction and National Housing as part of an extension to the college now being carried out.

It was intended by the Department of Agricultural Education that in the first year aquaculture would be taught only at Gwebi as a non-examination subject. Funds would have to be found for building some ponds at Chibero before aquaculture could be fully part of the National Diploma syllabus. However, this should be done as quickly as possible, as Chibero is conveniently situated close to communal farming areas, and well managed ponds at this site could also play an important demonstration role for the Ministries' rural extension efforts.

6. COLD COMFORT FARM TRUST

This is an NGO which runs a cooperative as a demonstration of farm management for the rural areas. They are in the process of setting up, with the help of a consultant, an operation which integrates pigs and tilapia culture.

Approximate characteristics are:

• modern pig-sites for up to 200 pigs (sows, boars, offspring);

• borehole water supply with water storage in tanks above the pig sties, used for watering pigs and daily washing of sty floors;

• wastes fed by gravity towards ponds. Two intermediate concrete tank facilities;

• the first for separating solids/liquid waste;

• the second for the “ripening” of liquid wastes (development of algae in a shallow trough) to be run into the ponds. The solid waste used on vegetable plots;

• six earth ponds of 0.2 ha each. Initially to be stocked with 0. mossambicus;

• a hatchery complex is planned for hybrid tilapia production:

• projected fish production 0.6 t/pond/year.

The Director indicated that the farm could be used for the training of a small number of people, as well as for demonstration. It could also provide data for on-farm research projects.

The farm, which is very well built, is visibly capital- and management-intensive and as such is apparently more adapted to the commercial farming sector than to the scale of the communal areas. This appears to be a deliberate decision as they feel this will have a better impact on the decision-making levels.

On the technical site, two interesting innovations are provided by the intermediate (between pigs and fish) treatment of the pig wastes. The first of these separates solids/liquids. Waste water from the sites settles in the separation tanks and then is drained away towards the ponds (after flushing through the collected solids). The solids that settle in these tanks are used as a compost on the vegetable plots, the liquids as fertilizer for the ponds. There is obviously a trade-off between fish production/vegetable production; however, there do not appear to be any records on this and investigations would be useful. However, there could be the advantage of an integration of three activities (pigs/fish/vegetables) with the same inputs as for pigs/fish; this may be more resilient than a simple pigs/fish system.

The second treatment has been termed “ripening”; this involves allowing the development of algal blooms during the day in a shallow trough - the water from the trough is then flushed into the ponds. It is difficult to see any productive advantage in this system; the algal blooms will occur anyway in the ponds and probably in better limnological conditions than in the troughs which can be considered an extreme environment, “polluted” even for the optimum growth of algae. There is an unexpected positive “side effect”; as the water progresses through the trough the colour changes from brown to green - which may render the development of algal blooms easier to explain.

7. SMALL WATER-BODIES (SWB)

Improved management of small water-bodies will be an important part of any aquaculture initiative in Zimbabwe. The first priority will be to survey the potential of existing water-bodies, in particular in the communal areas. A preliminary step might use satellite remote sensing to establish the locations and general characteristics of these small water-bodies. A first step has been made in a pilot study of the area to the northeast of Harare (satellite remote sensing to locate and inventory small water-bodies for fisheries management and aquaculture development in Zimbabwe - CIFA Occasional Paper No. 14, J.M. Kapetsky). This could be developed into a general survey covering a larger part of the country. Funds could be provided for this in the UNDP follow-up; the exact cost is difficult to determine and will depend on the existing remote sensing capabilities in Zimbabwe and the availability of appropriate images. A detailed proposal for this could be the objective of a specialist consultancy mission early in the project.

The proposed pilot-schemes for improving the management of small water-bodies should be carried out in collaboration with similar activities elsewhere in SADCC countries and it is likely that the results of work on SWB in Zimbabwe would be of general benefit to the region.

8. FRY PRODUCTION

At the moment, there are not sufficient fry available to supply the demand that would be created by an extension effort in aquaculture. The first priority for the management of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm will be the production of fry; these will initially be tilapia for pond fish-farming and stocking small water-bodies but it will be necessary to provide fry of other species especially for stocking SWB [catfish (Clarias), carps (Chinese/common)], and for this, hatcheries will be necessary. While the Government should create the fry production facilities to stimulate/supply the initial demand and to determine the most suitable species/techniques, fry production by the private sector should be encouraged. Already some small private hatcheries exist and supply fry for stocking recreational fisheries. Two small hatcheries being set up for Clarias fry production were visited.

9. RESEARCH COLLABORATION

The environmental conditions of Zimbabwe are different to those elsewhere in Africa, and techniques will have to be refined to optimize aquaculture productivity for these conditions. Any extension programme will need to be closely supported by a programme of comparative trials and applied research, and the TCP/UNDP assistance should define an appropriate programme. This would involve coordination between research orientated institutions in Zimbabwe and even within the SADCC region. Already, the University of Zimbabwe and ICLARM (based in Malawi) have been informed of the proposed rehabilitation of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm and have expressed interest in providing research support. The University of Zimbabwe, which prepares students for BSc (Biology), intends to increase the fisheries/aquaculture component of their training.

Appendix 1
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE HENDERSON
AQUACULTURE FARM

by

David Campbell

1. Description of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm

The original farm was well designed and constructed, involving nearly 10 ha of pond surface area. For convenience, the farm can be divided into 3 sections (see map) of which only section “A” is currently operational. The rest of the farm was converted to pasture, although some dike and drain structures remain.

There are now 38 ponds of about 100 m², 2 ponds of 700 m², and 4 ponds of 4 000 m² that are usable. Drains were removed from 15 of the smaller ponds. In addition, there are 45 concrete tanks of 7 and 18 m², some needing repair.

2. Water Supply

Water was orginally supplied from two sources: by gravity from a stream and 2 km brick canal, and a secondary source formed by a 319 000 m³ reservoir feeding the lowest tier of ponds through a 1.25 km canal.

At the time of the mission, which occurred at the end of the dry season and after several years of low rainfall, the primary water source from the reservoir had not been in use for some time, and portions of the canal were filled with dirt or covered with brush. The reservoir was about half full, and the headgate leading to the canal intact with a potential 3 m draw of water.

3. Buildings and Infrastructure

The buildings are in good condition. There are 5 offices, a classroom or laboratory and a large aquaria room. The buildings have not been used for some time, and require cleaning, repair and refurbishing. There are good operable roads leading to and around the farm, and functioning electricity and domestic water supply. Telephone lines lead to the building but have been disconnected. There is an operational 1 000 head pig-farm located directly above the site, the effluent passing through the unused ponds. The potential for integrated aquaculture is obvious.

4. Recommendations for Rehabilitation

4.1 Ponds

Fifteen ponds require drain replacement; and a 15 cm diameter PVC standpipe and elbow system is recommended to ensure complete drainage to allow use as fry production ponds. Generally, the ponds need brush clearing, some silt removal, and minor repairs to dikes and drains. Ponds in section “B” and “C” could eventually be rehabilitated but this would require a much greater input.

4.2 Water Supply

The primary water supply from the Dassura River is still functional during much of the year. There is upstream competition from 3 commercial farms for irrigation, and efforts are underway to restore historical water rights of 10 1/sec (see Annex 2).

To ensure smooth operation year-round, the back-up system using the reservoir and 1.25 km canal needs to be rehabilitated. Water originally flowed from below the dam to the lowest tier of ponds (see Annex 3). Building a sump at the end of the canal and pumping water to the uppermost tier of ponds would assure a year-round water supply.

Another alternative would be a series of 3 boreholes located near the river bed and connecting to the primary water supply canal leading from the river. This would be more elaborate and expensive, and the quantities of water available are difficult to judge.

4.3 Training Considerations

The farm is located above 1 200 m altitude and the mean water temperature falls below 20° Celsius for 6 months of the year. In July, the mean temperature is only 14° Celsius, creating obvious problems for training in warmwater integrated aquaculture.

However, about 75% of Zimbabwe has similar cold spells and there is an advantage in training culture techniques under these conditions. To build a new demonstration and training unit at a lower altitude with warmer conditions would be expensive and time-consuming although this should be planned for the future. Given the existing good facilities and infrastructure at the Henderson Farm, it would be preferable to use this as a base for rapid development of rural aquaculture training. Discussions are underway between the Governments of Zimbabwe and Argentina on the possibility of a bilateral exchange programme involving training in aquaculture research. This would complement the training at the farm.

5. Conclusions

The Henderson Aquaculture Farm offers a unique potential for development as a training centre for rural extension workers in integrated aquaculture techniques. With minimum input, the farm could be operational within 6 months. Expert assistance is needed in rehabilitation and training, and also to assure initial smooth operations.

Annex 1

PLAN OF THE HENDERSON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION

Key

1. Reservoir
2. Pig and poultry unit
3. Production ponds
4. Quarantine ponds
5. Seepage ponds
6. Rice paddies
7. Research unit
8. Trout unit
9. Bass breeding ponds
10. Water conservation ponds
11. Offices
12. Stores
13. Factory
14. Family pond unit
15. Tilapia fry production ponds
16. Carp stretching ponds
17. Carp production ponds
18. Concrete basin

Annex 2

IN THE WATER COURT OF RHODESI A

RIGHT AUTHORISING THE USE OF PUBLIC WATER
IN TERMS OF THE WATER ACT (CHAPTER 268)

In the matter of the application of the Minister of Agriculture for the revision of Water Right 3470/A, which issued on 29 August 1963.

At Salisbury this 17 January 1974

Before His Honour Judge J.B. Pittman

Whereupon, after investigation of the matter,

It is ordered:

That the Minister of Agriculture be, and he hereby is, granted by virtue of section 8A of the Water Act (Chapter 268), a Final Right in terms of section 37 of the said Act, entitling him as the legal occupier of the property Remainder of Great B (Henderson Research Station), situated in the district of Mazoe and in extent 2 310 hectares approximately, to abstract throughout each year 10 litres per second of public water from the Dassura River for fish-farming purposes on the said property.

This Final Right shall be subject to the provisions of the said Act and to the following terms and conditions:

1. This Right issues in substitution for that which issued on 29 August 1963, as Water Right 3470/A, and shall also be numbered Water Right 3470/A.

2. Abstraction shall take place on the said property, 10 metres above the old Salisbury-Concession Road bridge.

3. The holder shall provide, install, maintain and operate any measuring devices or other instruments or equipment which, in the opinion of the Secretary for Water Development are required for the proper supervision and exercise of this Right, or for the general supervision of public water in the said stream, and shall make such returns of measurements or other information as the Secretary may require.

4. The holder shall accept and follow any advice given by the Secretary for Water Development and the Director of Conservation and Extension and Lands Inspectorate in connection with this Right.

5. The holder shall give any information relevant to this Right to the Water Registrar, if required by him to do so.

6. The date of priority of this Right for the purposes of section 40 of the said Act shall be 26 January 1952.

By the Judge
A.B. Carson
Registrar

Annexe 3

Appendix 2
ITINERARY AND PERSONS MET:

D. Campbell

Appendix 3
ITINERARY AND PERSONS MET.

C. Nugent

Appendix 4
PROJECT PROPOSAL

1. Project Summary

The principal objective is to rehabilitate the Henderson Aquaculture Farm to become a focus for an extension programme to promote aquaculture in the rural communal areas. At the end of the one-year project, the farm will be fully operational with an assured year-round water supply. The first priority in pond management will be the production of fish fry to be distributed to fish-farmers; before the end of the project, groups of ponds at Henderson will be prepared and stocked for demonstration of rural fish-farming methods for communal areas. Offices, laboratories and classrooms will be refurbished to provide a base for project activities and for the training of extension personnel and fish-farmers.

A counterpart team of two aquaculture specialists (pond management, fish-farming extension and training) will be trained.

The project will assist in the initiation of an extension effort in a limited pilot zone. Extension personnel from these areas will receive initial training. The project will assist extension workers in their initial contacts with a small group of fish-farmers. The project will assist the Government in drawing up proposals for the introduction of aquaculture into the curriculum of Gwebi Agricultural College. Recommendations will be made to the Government for a future programme of fish-farm extension.

2. Background and Justification

Per caput consumption of fish in Zimbabwe is only 2.5–3 kg/year which is considered to be below adequate nutritional requirements. In addition consumption is unevenly distributed and in the rural areas it is well below that recorded in the urban areas. A further 20 000 t of fish will be required by the year 2000 to merely maintain present consumption levels, and the Government intends to increase aquaculture production to provide a part of this shortfall.

Present aquaculture production of about 800 t/year is mostly produced by the commercial sector. Government policy of development of agriculture in the communal areas favours diversification of activities as a means of improving utilization of scarce resources, improving nutrition and of creating employment and revenue for the rural population. Aquaculture has great potential in this respect for introduction into rural areas, whether through active management of the 2 000–3 000 small dams in the communal areas or through fish-farming in ponds which can be profitably integrated into other agricultural activities (vegetables, livestock, irrigation and water conservation).

In the light of the above, the Government has decided to give priority to the promotion of rural aquaculture, using the existing extension services already serving the country's communal areas. However, this effort is hampered by a lack of trained personnel, inadequate supply of fish seed, and the lack of facilities for the demonstration of suitable fish-farming techniques for adoption in the communal areas.

The fish-farm situated on the Henderson Agricultural Research Station, presently unused, offers a unique opportunity for the rapid development of the facilities required. The rehabilitation of the ponds, buildings and associated infrastructure could, within 12 months, permit both fry production and the initial practical training for extension personnel which are needed to launch the extension programme.

Henderson Aquaculture Farm

The Henderson Aquaculture Farm is located on the grounds of the main Government (Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement) Agricultural Research Unit. Fisheries operations ceased in 1971. The fish-farm was well designed and constructed, and today some 45 ponds covering about 2 ha remain in reasonably good condition, as well as an unused building complex containing offices, a classroom, laboratory and live fish handling facilities. There is a 1 000 head pig-farm located directly above the site. The effluent passes through the disused ponds, creating an ideal situation for integrated aquaculture. The electricity and domestic water supply are functioning. The telephone was recently disconnected. Good accommodation for extension workers exists within 30 km.

For much of the year, water is supplied to the ponds by gravity through diversion of a nearby stream and canal system, and this is still functional when sufficient water is flowing in the stream. In drought periods there is a 319 000 m³ reservoir and a secondary canal system leading to the lowest tier of ponds. This back-up system has not been used in recent years and requires repair and reinforcement.

Extension and Training

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement through its Department of Agricultural, Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) has an experienced and well developed operational structure in the field. Aquaculture extension would most easily be achieved by integrating this speciality into the established activities of the relevant parts of Agritex - Animal Production Branch (which already has a fisheries service), Training Branch and the Regional Extension Offices.

The present TCP project is designed to permit the rapid rehabilitation of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm, and to provide the support necessary to Agritex for the initiation of a programme of extension and training for aquaculture expansion in the communal areas.

3. Objectives of the Assistance

1. Henderson Aquaculture Farm rehabilitation by December 1988 with:

   • renovation of the existing ponds and repair of the water supply system;

   • refurbishing of the existing buildings to provide a base for project activities and for basic classroom training and laboratory facilities.

2. Technical Management Scheme of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm, operational by February 1989:

   • ponds stocked and managed for the production of tilapia fry;

   • units set up for demonstration of appropriate techniques. These will demonstrate pond-farming integrated with livestock and vegetable-growing, and the use of simple feeds.

3. Training and Extension. Counterpart team trained by June 1989 in pond management, fish-farming, extension and training techniques:

   • a first nucleus of extension officers and extension workers trained by June 1989 to start a pilot extension operation in a limited zone situated within the closest communal areas (Chinamora, Masembura, Msana, Mangwende) chosen for its suitability for aquaculture.

4. Development Programme for implementation with further technical assistance formulated for submission to donor(s).

4. Work Plan

Objective 1 - Rehabilitation of the Farm

This will take six months. Involves clearing of the station, dike and drain repair or replacement, canal renovation, minor essential building refurbishment, and installation of an emergency back-up pump to distribute water from the dam to the whole station. The Government will make available from the beginning of the project - the farm, including Savory dam, buildings and existing infrastructure, support personnel (station foreman, secretary/administrative assistant), fish broodstock, etc.

Objective 2 - Management of the Farm

The ponds will be filled and stocked as soon as possible as the repairs progress. The first fry production ponds will be stocked in September 1988, and the first fry will be available for distribution in January 1989. Demonstration ponds will be prepared from November 1988 onwards: if necessary, fry may initially be obtained from outside Henderson to permit preliminary results before the cool season in May/July. Demonstrations involving livestock or crops/horticulture will be carried out with assistance of specialist staff of Agritex and Henderson.

Objective 3 - Training and Extension

The FAO project coordinator will provide on-the-job training for two counterpart officers who will be assigned by the Government from the beginning of the project.

A 5-day training seminar will be held in January 1989 for Agritex extension/training officers involved in initiating the extension programme in the pilot zone. A 14-day training course will be held in February 1989 for extension workers from the pilot zone; they will return to their posts with basic equipment provided by the project. Training will be carried out in collaboration with the Training Branch (Agritex) and will be based in Domboshawa Training Centre, near Henderson.

The project personnel will follow up training of extension workers by regular visits to the field to assist awareness campaigns and the establishment of fish-ponds.

5. Donor Inputs

(a) Project Coordinator/Aquaculturist

Sound experience in fish culture extension in rural areas. Experience of pond construction, tilapia fry production, integrated farming. Capacity for training in informal and formal situations.

In collaboration with Agritex, responsible for the coordination of the project, for the execution of the project work plan, for procurement of supplies and equipment. Review of past research results at Henderson and elsewhere. Preparation of a farm management plan for Henderson, and of training programmes for extension personnel. Close liaison with Government officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement (Agritex, Department of Research and Special Services) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management).

(b) Support Personnel

1 Driver 12 m/m

Casual Labour 100 m/m

For renovation work on the Henderson Aquaculture Farm, and for regular farm operations: 20 temporary labourers for 2 m/m each; 5 labourers for 12 m/m each for station duties.

(c) Official Travel and General Operating Expenses

(d) Equipment and Supplies

FAO will provide materials for the renovation of the station, training and farm husbandry supplies, and a vehicle. Basic surveying and pond management equipment will be provided for extension workers undergoing training.

6. Reporting

The Project Coordinator will prepare quarterly reports and a final report including a summary of results achieved, with comprehensive recommendations for a continuing government programme of development of rural aquaculture.

7. Government Contribution and Supporting Arrangements

Personnel

Counterpart Officers (2) 24 m/m

1. Aquaculturist, to specialize in pond management (Henderson Aquaculture Farm, pilot operations). To be seconded from the Ministry of Natural Resources (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management) MSc Aquaculture (FAO/ARAC)

2. Aquaculturist, to specialize in training and in extension of appropriate techniques. To be provided by Agritex.

Station Foreman 12 m/m (Henderson)

Secretary/Administrative Assistant 12 m/m (Henderson)

Watchman 12 m/m (Henderson)

Equipment

The Government is responsible for the cost of import and customs clearance of project equipment, its transportation, handling, storage and related expenses within the country.

Infrastructure/Institutional Collaboration

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement (Department of Research and Specialist Services (DRSS), Agritex) will provide the Henderson Aquaculture Farm facilities, buildings and associated infrastructure, electricity, telephone, counterpart officers' housing and mission costs.

Extension personnel from Agritex will participate in the project. Their training will be carried out in collaboration with Agritex (Training Branch) who will provide trainee lodging at the Domboshawa Centre, classroom facilities, and support training personnel. DRSS and Agritex will provide specialist support for demonstration units for livestock associated with fish culture.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management) will provide fish broodstock and technical back-up as necessary.

DONOR BUDGET ($US)

Appendix 5
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
PROJECT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE

A. Development Objectives

The Government of Zimbabwe gives priority to a policy aimed at increasing the productivity of the communal lands. The aim of the project is to contribute to the diversification of agricultural activities in communal areas by closely integrating aquaculture with other agricultural activities (horticulture, livestock, irrigation and water conservation). By increasing the production of fish in communal areas the project will contribute to the improvement of nutritional standards and will provide opportunities for employment and for cash income. The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the small-scale commercial sector through its demonstration efforts and its activity focusing Government extension on aquaculture.

B. Immediate Objectives

1. To provide training for personnel involved in the promotion of aquaculture.

   • to provide technical assistance and advice for the training of field extension personnel in aquaculture

   • to provide on-the-job training for a counterpart team to take charge of aquaculture promotion

   • to advise the Government on the addition of aquaculture to basic agriculture education.

2. To provide assistance for aquaculture extension in communal areas.

   • to provide technical assistance to Agritex extension personnel in the field responsible for aquaculture development

   • in collaboration with Agritex, and farmers' associations to provide training and technical advice to farmers through the organization of “field days” and “awareness” campaigns

   • to produce or obtain audio-visual material suitable for extension and training activities.

3. To promote appropriate techniques of fish-farming for communal areas.

   • to determine the most appropriate techniques currently available and to demonstrate these techniques in well managed ponds

   • to establish pilot farms in the communal areas for demonstration to farmers and their extension workers.

4. To promote aquaculture research to improve the productivity of appropriate techniques for use in the rural areas.

   • to assist in the preparation of a national programme of research aimed at defining improved techniques and for the introduction of new species

   • to provide assistance to individual research projects

   • to carry out comparative trials using Government pond facilities.

5. To provide fry for distribution to fish-farmers.

   • to produce tilapia fry, initially at Henderson, and subsequently on stations in other regions

   • to construct a fish hatchery for the diversification of fish species for stocking small dams and for fish-farming

6. To improve fish harvests from small agricultural dams.

   • to survey the small dams in communal areas and to classify them according to their environmental and socio-economic potential

   • to establish alternative management plans for increasing the fish yield of these small dams. Setting up pilot management schemes

   • to strengthen Agritex Fisheries Service for the implementation of management programmes.

7. To provide advice to the Government for policy-making and planning in the aquaculture sector, and to promote effective collaboration between all structures involved.

D. Special Considerations

In view of the dominant role played by women in feeding the family and in the process of fish-marketing in rural areas, and also considering the importance given by the Government to increasing women's participation in the social and economic development of Zimbabwe, the project will promote the role of women in the aquaculture sector both through production in fish-ponds and through the cooperative exploitation of small dams.

Both the Ministry of Cooperatives, Community Development and Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture are ready to promote aquaculture through their activities.

D. Background and Justification

The Government of Zimbabwe has established a policy of development of food self-sufficiency and in particular is concerned about raising agricultural productivity, and thus the standard of living, in the rural communal areas where approximately half the population of the country is living.

Fish has become a significant part of the national diet in recent years largely due to increased production, currently standing at around 23 000 t, from Lake Kariba and other minor man-made lakes. Rising fish prices indicate rising demand and the rapid adoption of fish by rural and urban households. Current per caput consumption of fish in Zimbabwe is only 2.5–3 kg, which is considered to be below adequate nutritional requirements. It is important to add that consumption is unevenly distributed across the country, and in the rural areas it is well below consumption in the urban concentrations. A further 20 000 t of fish will be required by the year 2000 just to maintain present levels of consumption, and the Government intends to increase aquaculture production to provide a part of this shortfall.

Current aquaculture production stands at around 800 t/year. It is mostly produced by the private commercial sector, either by extensive cropping of farm dams or by a small number of disparate farming enterprises. As a result of initial experiences in Zimbabwe dating from the 1960s and of the activities of those Government departments concerned with fish, a certain number of farmers in rural areas have constructed fish-ponds; however, these are of low productivity largely due to the lack of suitable fish seed and of adequate extension advice.

Small-scale aquaculture could make an important contribution to Government policy which promotes the development of agriculture in the communal areas and favours the diversification of activities as a means of improving the use of scarce resources. In particular small-scale aquaculture will bring both social and economic benefits:

• in improving rural nutrition. Fish is one of the best sources of high quality protein. Creating a source of production in the rural areas will make available where most needed, excellent fresh animal protein. This will benefit not only fish-farmers' families, but also other local inhabitants.

• by integrating closely with established agricultural-activities, and assuring a better use of scarce resources. Fish ponds can improve the viability of existing activities by using low quality wastes as principal inputs - such as livestock manure, vegetable/- crop residues, etc. They can also share (or act as a source of) water used for other activities such as irrigation, livestock, etc. Opportunities exist for fish-farming as a complementary activity either on a very small scale producing mostly as food for the family, or more intensively producing additional revenue for the farmer.

• as a means of rendering productive small dams/- reservoirs. The relatively dry climate in Zimbabwe has brought about particular awareness of the importance of water conservation. As a result there are numerous small reservoirs created, mostly for irrigation of crops or for livestock (approximately 8 000, of which 2 000 in the communal areas). With a little appropriate cooperative management (stocking, inputs, harvesting) these dams can provide valuable protein to the surrounding community.

• as a source of employment, and supplementary cash income. In particular this activity can benefit women and youth who form an important part of the productive force of the rural communal areas.

In the light of the above, the Government of Zimbabwe has decided to give priority to the promotion of rural aquaculture.

There are several Government departments with responsibilities related to aquaculture. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Managment) has traditionally had overall responsibility for fisheries development; although primarily concerned with the major lake and recreational fisheries, this department has six fishery research stations some of which include research and fry production activities in support of aquaculture. They have trained senior staff involved in station management and research; however, they have not had contact with farmers on a large scale due to lack of manpower and funds. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement (Department of Agricultural, Technical and Extension Services, Agritex) has a large and well developed general extension service in the field; within Agritex there is a small Fisheries Service which maintains contact with cooperatives for the exploitation of small dams and with some farmers with fish ponds. The University of Zimbabwe has supported research in fisheries and fish-culture, and there are Non-Governmental Organizations, such Cold Comfort Farm Trust who plan to set up demonstrations of fish-culture as an alternative rural activity.

Until now, the various efforts for the promotion of aquaculture have not had a significant impact largely because of lack of trained personnel, inadequate supply of fish seed, and a lack of facilities for the determination and demonstration of suitable fish-farming techniques under Zimbabwe conditions.

This project is designed to provide the Government of Zimbabwe with the support necessary to carry out a sustained programme of aquaculture in communal areas. It will build on and complement the capabilities of national institutions concerned by aquaculture, and will serve as a focal point for collaboration by these institutions. It is designed to follow up on FAO/TCP assistance for the rehabilitation of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm; it will intensify the operations around Henderson and assist the Government to extend the programme to other areas suitable for aquaculture both by the promotion of pond-farming and by improved management of small water-bodies. The project will provide technical and material assistance to promote several related aspects of aquaculture development, which must be initiated together in a coordinated manner:

• technology transfer to farmers through extension and training

• production of fish seed for the stocking of ponds and small dams

• demonstration, trials and applied research to improve the techniques identified as suitable for Zimbabwe conditions

• policy-making and planning for national aquaculture development.

E. Project Outputs

1. Training

Four counterpart officers trained and specialized in aquaculture development. Polyvalent Agricultural Extension and Training Officers (30) and Extension Workers (90) trained in basic aquaculture techniques through periodic training courses.

Increased training capacity of Agritex (Training Branch) specifically in aquaculture.

Integration of aquaculture in the syllabus of those institutes and colleges providing basic agricultural education.

Study tours for senior personnel (2 years)

2. Extension

Technical assistance provided to 500 communal fish-farmers (year 1: 125, year 2: 125, year 3: 250) through extension workers trained by the project. Organization of 20 field-days for farmers. Availability of audio-visual materials for use by extension workers for training of farmers, and for use by Agritex (Training Branch) for training extension personnel.

3. Demonstration/Pilot Ponds

Recommendations, regularly updated in the light of research results and based on local experience and on results recorded elsewhere in Africa, for the most appropriate techniques for rural areas. Practical demonstration of these techniques using ponds of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm. Direct assistance to selected pilot fish-farmers (5 years) to demonstrate these techniques in the communal areas.

4. Trials/Applied Research

Submission of a national programme of applied research in support of aquaculture extension. Assistance provided to individual applied research projects related to this programme. Results of comparative tests of different species of tilapia in communal conditions (Oreochromis mossambicus, O. niloticus, O. andersonii) and tests on the use of other species such as African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and carps (Cyprinus carpio, grass carp, silver carp). Results of trials using cage culture in dams.

5. Fry Production

Operation of the Henderson Aquaculture Farm for the production of tilapia fry. Construction of tilapia fry production facilities at 4 livestock and pasture research stations (Chipinga, Makoholi, Chiredzi, Matopos). Capacity for distribution of fry to farmers: at least 100 000 fry/year. Construction of a fish hatchery for other species such as catfish and carps. Distribution of fry for the stocking of dams.

6. Small Dam Management

Submission of a detailed survey of dams on communal land with analysis and recommendations for techniques of improved management. Operational pilot schemes of improved management. Increased capacity of Agritex Fisheries Services for surveys and follow-up of harvesting.

7. Planning/Coordination

Submission (after 1 and 3 years) of advice to the Ministries concerned with aquaculture for the continued development of this sector.

F. Project Activities

1. Training

• training of counterpart officers is a continuous process, reinforced by study tours preferably in other African countries where similar conditions exist.

• annual training courses organized with Agritex for about 10 extension/training officers (duration 4–10 days).

• training courses organized with Agritex twice a year for about 15 extension workers (duration 10–14 days).

• regular contact with Chief, Agriculture Education, and preparation of proposals for an aquaculture syllabus. Study tour for lecturers specializing in aquaculture at the colleges.

2. Extension

• determination of the limits of a pilot zone for extension of aquaculture - promising areas for aquaculture in the closest communal areas. Extension will be progressively extended to other areas as new fry production facilities are created.

• follow-up through visits to farmers who decide to take up fish-farming after contact with extension workers.

• field-days will be organized with Agritex and farmers' associations - using audio-visual materials and pilot farms for the information of farmers.

• the project will provide equipment and supplies for the preparation (in collabortion with Agritex Training Branch) of audio-visual materials (photographs, video, posters, documents).

3. Demonstration/Pilot Ponds

• ponds at the Henderson Aquaculture Farm will be used to test and demonstrate appropriate fish-farming techniques. The project will provide the necessary supplies to demonstrate the integration of fish with other activities such as livestock, horticulture and irrigation.

• the project will install pilot fish-ponds in the communal areas. This conforms to Agritex methods of demonstrating to farmers under their local conditions.

4. Trials/Applied Research

• the project will establish a working group with national institutions capable of carrying out relevant research (DRSS, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, University of Zimbabwe) to establish a coordinated national programme of research to support rural extension.

• assistance will be provided to a small number of projects likely to have an immediate impact on extension. The project will assist other researchers in the search for funds for individual projects recommended by the working group, by establishing contacts with institutions such as Government, IDRC, ICLARM, bilateral, international aid, etc.

• comparative trials will be carried out at the Henderson Aquaculture Farm and other Government facilities to determine the relative performances for breeding and production of promising tilapia species, and to test use of other species more tolerant of temperate waters such as the common carps and Chinese carps, in small ponds and agricultural dams; attention will also be given to the farming of Clarias.

5. Fry Production

• priority will be given to ensuring the availability of fish fry required by the rural farmers; precise demand is difficult to gauge but an annual capacity of a least 100 000 fry should be established. The project will sell and distribute the fry to farmers.

• fry will initially be produced at Henderson. The project will advise the Government on the construction of four other fry production units to be completed in the second year on other state research stations.

• a pilot/demonstration hatchery will be built at Henderson for breeding species other than tilapia. This will be housed in a 150 m² building to be constructed and equipped by the project.

• the project will develop contacts with private hatcheries and encourage them to build up fry availability across the country.

6. Small Dam Management

• a survey will be carried out in collaboration with Agritex Fisheries Service to classify the different small dams in the communal areas and to estimate their potential for fish production. The survey will be carried out initially in those communal areas with a significant number of small water-bodies.

• management strategies will be tested for the intensification of fish production (stocking, inputs and harvesting protocols) in these small dams.

• the project will provide equipment to Agritex Fisheries Service, for the execution of these tests.

• cage cultures will be tested in small dams, as well as methods for the control of predators.

7. Planning/Coordination

• the project will actively maintain close contact with all the numerous organizations that would be involved in developing the aquaculture sector.

  • Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement

  • Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism

  • Ministry of Cooperatives, Community Development and Womens' Affairs

  • University of Zimbabwe

  • FAO/UNDP Irrigation Project in communal areas

  • FAO/UNDP Horticulture Project in communal areas

  • NGOs (e.g., Cold Comfort Farm Trust)

  • Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (UNV: Aquaculture Training)

• an annual technical coordination seminar will be organized by the project to bring together senior technicians of these institutions to explore avenues for collaboration and coordination in the field.

• the project will participate in efforts for the planning of the aquaculture sector, providing specific recommendations in the project reports after one year and at the end of the project (3 years).

• the project will maintain close contacts with the other African aquaculture projects implemented by FAO, in particular with:

  • the FAO/Sweden Regional Project “Aquaculture for Local Community Development” (GCP/INT/436/SWE)

  • the FAO/UNDP regional project "Integrated Approach to Aquaculture Development in Africa (RAF/87/077)

  • the FAO/Netherlands project based in Chilanga, Zambia, “Development of Fish Culture in Zambia” (GCP/ZAM/038/NET)

  • the interregional project “Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme” (ADCP) (INT/86/017)

G. Inputs

1. Government Contribution

(a) Personnel

National Project Director

Chief, Animal Production Branch (Agritex), in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement.

2 Aquaculture Specialists (Fish Husbandry) (Mandate to be included in consultation with Agritex).
With advanced aquaculture training to be seconded from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. To specialize in pond and dam management and fry production at Henderson and other centres, including construction and operation of the hatchery. Responsible for demonstration ponds and trials/- applied research carried out at Henderson.

2 Aquaculture Specialists (Extension and Training)
Nominated by Agritex. To participate in the training and follow-up of extension workers of the pilot zone. Assist in the preparation of communication materials for extension and training. Responsible for pilot operations in the communal areas for pond and small dam management.

1 Aquaculture Technician (Henderson Aquaculture Farm)
Under the supervision of the aquaculture specialist to carry out the day-to-day husbandry operations at Henderson. To be seconded from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

4 Aquaculture Technicians (Outposted)
Responsible for the running of fry production facilities at the stations outside Henderson (one technician per station)

Support Staff
1 administrative assistant, 1 typist, 2 drivers, and labourers will be provided as required for successful implementation of project activities.

(b) Infrastructure

The Government will provide the Henderson Aquaculture Farm (ponds, buildings, related infrastructure, water) to serve as a base for the project. They will make the land available and construct the fry production facilities planned at four other sites. Broodstock and fry will be made available by other Government stations as required for demonstration ponds and extension activities.

(c) Transport/Equipment

The Government will provide the transportation which cannot be covered by the UNDP inputs. They will supply the basic tools and equipment for the operation of the stations.

(d) Operating Expenses

The Government will be responsible for the operation, maintenance and insurance of project equipment including all vehicles. They will provide water, electricity, telephone, office support, counterpart officers' housing and counterpart mission costs.

2. UNDP Contribution

(a) Personnel

Chief Technical Adviser, Aquaculture/Extension Expert 36 m/m Duty Station Harare.

In close collaboration with the National Project Director, the expert will be responsible for all the technical activities to be undertaken by the FAO/UNDP assistance. He will assist the Project Director in all the activities necessary to achieve the objectives of the project. He will have the following mandate:

• provide in-service training to the counterpart team of aquaculturists, participate in training sessions organized by the project/Agritex for extension personnel

• supervise the management of Henderson Aquaculture Farm and hatchery. Supervise the construction of the hatchery

• select techniques to be demonstrated at Henderson and on pilot farms. Contribute to surveys, small dam management trials, and to general field monitoring.

• responsible for the UNDP/FAO contribution, including supervision of international staff, procurement and correct utilization of equipment and supplies provided by the project. He will, in collaboration with the Project Director, promote good relations with all participating departments.

Aquaculture Expert 24 m/m Duty Station Harare
With experience in pond aquaculture and management of small water-bodies for fish production. In close collaboration with the counterpart team of aquaculturists, will participate in the survey of small dams, in the testing of management strategies for these dams and in application of these strategies in the communal areas. In collaboration with Agritex, will organize training sessions for extension personnel and will participate in the follow-up of extension workers in the field; and will contribute to fry production.

Consultants (5 m/m)
Specialists in hatchery techniques, fish pathology, pond limnology, etc., or any other expertise not specifically programmed for the project.

National Experts

Some funds ($US 35 000) are also intended to support through short contracts, SSAs, etc., specific research activities which are likely to have an immediate benefit for the extension programme, for example through simple technological packages. This applied research will be carried out by specialized national institutions on the basis of a clear protocol established with the collaboration of the project specialists.

2.1 Official Travel/Mission Travel

A budget of $US 17 000 is planned for mission costs of international personnel. In 1990, funds are included for participation in the International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture.

2.2 Training Costs

Two study tours per year planned to allow counterpart personnel to visit other countries with appropriate experience. Two of these study tours will be allocated to lecturers of the agricultural colleges specializing in aquaculture. The funds in 1990 would be preferably used to support participation in the Third International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture to be most probably organized in Western Africa.

2.3 Supplies and Equipment

H. Preparation of Work Plan

Within the first three months of the project, the Chief Technical Adviser will prepare in consultation with Agritex and the Department of Research and Specialist Services a detailed work plan indicating clearly the different activities to be carried out in view of achieving the anticipated outputs and indicating the starting and expected completion dates. Further, he will prepare a programme for all inputs to be provided by the UNDP contribution, including the consultants' visits, recruitment of national and international staff, as well as a detailed list of equipment and supplies to be purchased.

The agreed Work Plan will be attached to the Project Document as an Annex and will be considered as part of the document.

I. Preparation for the Framework for Effective Participation of National and International Staff in the Project

The activities necessary to produce the indicated outputs and achieve the project's immediate objectives will be carried out jointly by the national and international staff assigned. The respective roles of the national and international staff will be determined by mutual discussion and agreement at the time of the preparation of the detailed Work Plan and set out in a framework for effective participation of national and international staff in the project or incorporated in the Work Plan. The respective roles of the national and international staff shall be in accordance with the established concept and specific purposes of technical cooperation.

K. Institutional Framework

The project will be based at the Henderson Agricultural Research Station under the authority of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement (Agritex). The project depends, however, on close collaboration between the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management) who will contribute personnel and technical back-stopping.

The national project director will be the Chief, Animal Production Branch (Agritex), who will be responsible for ensuring that the national obligations are met to allow for successful implementation of project activities.

The project will liaise closely with other national organizations whose activities offer the possibility of integration of aquaculture, such as:

• Ministry of Cooperatives, Community Development and Womens' Affairs

• Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture

• Organizations concerned with irrigation

• FAO/UNDP Small-scale irrigation in communal areas

• FAO/UNDP Horticulture in communal areas

• NGOs concerned with rural development

As is the case for other projects in Zimbabwe, a Project Advisory Monitoring Committee will be established; it will be convened every six months by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement; it will be comprised of all the principal bodies/institutions concerned as well as farmers' representatives.

PROJECT BUDGET COVERING UNDP CONTRIBUTION
(in US$)