https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_empowering-aquaculture-tilafeeds-growth-activity-7299410149796945921-D3fe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAEOZZoIBX1-7rFcrw04ZfUeUPSSwOOU74oo. Empowering Aquaculture: Tilafeeds' Growth Highlights TAAT Project Success John Cassim Following a rigorous selection process of young Zimbabwean entrepreneurs in the fishing industry, Henry Kamudyariwa, aged 34 and founder of Tilafeeds, was chosen. Tilafeeds received 1.5 tonnes of soya and three tonnes of maize crop residues to produce quality, low-cost fish feed. For a company that began fisheries and aquaculture consultancy and cage fish farming in 2017, this boost in 2024 has resulted in growth exceeding 100%. In 2022, Tilafeeds produced less than a tonne of fish feed per day. Now, the company has expanded to double shifts (day and night) and produces two tonnes of feed daily. “After recognising the growing demand and rising cost of fish feed, we began trials for our own feed formulations in 2022. In 2023, we launched our first commercial batch of fish feed. What started as a small backyard operation producing 250 kg per day has now expanded to two tonnes daily, positioning ourselves as a key player in sustainable aquaculture solutions,” Henry Kamudyariwa told ConserveZim ConserveZim at his Harare factory recently. The Technical Assistance for Agricultural Transformation in Countries in Transition (TAAT) Project, funded by the African Development Bank, commenced in August 2023. WorldFish and Technologies for African Transformation (TAAT) are the implementing partners for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD). Due to the substantial growth, Tilafeeds acquired a modern fish feed pellet-making machine, a Twin-Screw Inflating Extruder, for US$8,000, further increasing its production. During a site visit, Lorraine Salimu from FARD, expressed gratitude for the technical support. “Tilafeeds is one of the beneficiaries of the support provided to small-scale catfish farmers and catfish feed producers by World Fish, one of our implementing partners under the Technical Assistance for Agricultural Transformation in Countries in Transition (TAAT) Project. As you can see, the company has increased production, which was the aim of the project,” Lorraine explained. Tilafeeds now services markets in Mashonaland and Matabeleland, with customers relying on buses for feed transportation. To ensure high-quality, nutrient-rich fish feed and maximise returns for fish farmers, Tilafeeds has employed a full-time agronomist as a Technical Sales and Marketing Officer. “After the donation, we moved to a larger site. We now have two employees manually mixing ingredients and one operating the machine per shift. We still face challenges with drying and rely on the sun. We still need assistance in that regard,” Ethel Andirade, the Technical Sales and Marketing Officer, said.