What began as a small backyard project in Dema has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most inspiring examples of rural enterprise.

Gift Jeche has transformed his homestead into a model fish farm that is reshaping livelihoods and putting Seke District on the aquaculture map.

When Jeche started fish farming in 2016, he worked with limited resources, using plastic sheets and temporary dam liners to build his first ponds.

“I relied on liners at first, but I realised they would crack after a few years,” he said. The early setbacks did not deter him; instead, they strengthened his resolve to find a lasting solution.

He later invested in permanent concrete ponds—a move that turned his operation into a profitable and sustainable venture.

Today, his farm holds over 32,000 fish, mainly tilapia and catfish, which he supplies to local butcheries and customers at US$4.50 per kilogram. His ponds form part of a larger integrated system in which nutrient-rich water irrigates his banana and vegetable crops, while ducks fertilise the ponds and help control pests.

“Fish farming has transformed my life and my community,” he said. “People in my area are now building their own ponds after seeing what I’ve achieved.”

His innovation and perseverance have not gone unnoticed. Milton Makumbe, Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said Jeche’s work represents the future of Zimbabwe’s aquaculture development.

“Farmers like Mr. Jeche are the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s aquaculture revolution,” Makumbe said. “His investment in permanent ponds and integrated systems shows the power of sustainable farming and the value of learning by doing.”

The rise of Seke District reflects this growing momentum. According to the latest Aquaculture Frame Survey, the district now has 107 active fish farmers, making it one of the fastest-growing aquaculture zones in the country.

The progress supports Zimbabwe’s target of transforming the fisheries and aquaculture industry into a US$1 billion sector.

Mashonaland East Provincial Director for Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Mr. Masiiwa, said Jeche’s success story demonstrates that fish farming can thrive even in land-constrained areas.

“We’ve seen very viable fish farming here,” he said. “Given the land size limitations in Seke and other districts, we want to encourage farmers across the province—and the nation—who have access to water to establish fish ponds. The government is committed to promoting fisheries production because it’s not only a source of nutrition but also a major income stream for rural households.”

Zimbabwe produces about 31,000 metric tonnes of fish annually against a demand of 60,000 tonnes, highlighting the potential for expansion. The government is finalising the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which will regulate the industry and protect farmers from substandard inputs and unfair market practices.

The Aquaculture Business School model is also being rolled out to train farmers in pond design, feed management, and business operations, providing the technical knowledge needed for expansion.

Makumbe said Seke’s progress mirrors the goals of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, which promotes empowerment, inclusivity, and capacity building in rural communities.

“This growth is a living example of what the scheme stands for,” he said.

For Jeche, the transformation has been both personal and communal.

“Fish farming has changed my life,” he said. “It feeds my family, creates jobs, and gives hope to others. If we all keep pushing, the future of aquaculture in Zimbabwe is bright.”