Enhancing Food Security through Fisheries for Rural Communities around Lake Mutirikwi in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of artisanal fisheries as pathway to food security for communities around Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo province. The study area receives inadequate rainfall for food production. The study based on qualitative research methods and triangulation of data collection, which provides comprehensive understanding of the impact of fisheries to food security in the study area. A sample of 20 respondents was purposively selected for this investigation. The study revealed that the fish industry is an invaluable source of food security for rural communities around Lake Mutirikwi; and has also improved the standard of living of the locals. It also revealed challenges facing the industry and they include lack of infrastructure development and poor social services inhibit the viability of the industry. Another challenge is the disintegrated and inconsistent legislation in the fishing which hinder the viability of the sector. The chapter concludes that the fishing industry, especially aquaculture has the potential of contributing overwhelmingly to food security, however, there is need for infrastructure development such as roads within the fishing communities; and, alignment of fishing policies.