Henderson Research Institute is working on reviving the fish farming industry that collapsed due to economic hardships. Speaking at a fish farming training workshop at the institute in Mazowe recently, HRI head of section-fisheries, Mrs Clementine Zvavahera said the sector had the potential to improve livelihoods, nutrition of farming families and while creating employment opportunities for Zimbabwe.

"Most importantly we want to encourage farmers to produce fish on a commercial basis. Fish farming is a low input enterprise and not labour intensive. Farmers use natural resources which are readily available."

Mrs Zvavahera said the sector does not require expensive feed as the fish feed on animal manure and other locally available feeds.

She said farmers were venturing into poultry when fish farming was more viable. Zimbabwe, she said, had several water bodies, which were lying idle and could be used for fish farming.

"We are trying to capacitate farmers from all sectors with adequate knowledge and skills on fish farming. The training covers the necessary details on fish farming, citing of ponds and construction including the preservation and marketing of the fish," she said.