26. The Chairman of the Indigenous Kapenta Producers Association informed the meeting that kapenta fishing is a major activity in Zimbabwe and it forms a very important part of the country’s economy. It was noted that kapenta fishing is therefore important because of the following:
Employment Creation - kapenta fishing employs about 30 percent of the populations of Kariba Municipality.
Kapenta as a source of food is relatively cheaper than meat and thus in demand in many parts of our country.
Foreign currency generation since kapenta is not only sold locally but sometimes it is exported to other countries such as South Africa, Botswana, DRC and Zambia thereby generating the much needed foreign currency.
Development of other industry - the fishing of kapenta has led to the development of other industries which supply the equipment and other raw materials.
Kapenta markets - the selling of kapenta to other countries like Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and DRC has led to other establishment of cordial bilateral relations between the countries.
Problems facing Kapenta industry
27. During the discussions concerning the kapenta fishery the problem of the low level of the fish catches particularly during the cold season and also the safety of fishing and pilferage where mentioned.
