Hambe A Village Business Unit (VBU) in Ward 9 of Mbire District has marked a significant success in community-led aquaculture, with their first fish harvest, translating months of investment and dedication into tangible income for local project members.

The milestone saw Hambe A VBU harvest their first 32 kgs of fish, which they sold to a local retailer, Super Supermarket at Mushumbi Shopping Centre at US$3.80 per kg, generating approximately US$122 in income, proving that aquaculture can translate into real economic opportunities while bringing nutritious food closer to local households.

The availability of a market within reach has also given the farmers an advantage, by selling directly to the retailer, farmers can now connect with the market more efficiently, retain absolute control over the sales and guarantee income from their harvest.

This direct market link reduces the challenges and costs associated with finding buyers, while creating an opportunity for the farmers to build a sustainable business as fish production increases while maximizing on their profits.

Hambe A is one of five VBUs supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded ZRBF 2 Ushingi Project under its aquaculture initiative, which has injected almost 18,000 fish across the five VBUs. With the fish now approaching harvesting stage, the investment is beginning to show its potential to transform local livelihoods.

Beyond the income being generated from sales, increased local fish production is expected to improve access to affordable, protein-rich food for communities across Mbire District.
#Aquaculture #ZRBF2 #Markets #resilience