Food security has become a widespread global phenomenon especially at the turn of the twenty-first century. According to the 1996 World Food Summit, ‘food security is when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. This paper investigates the impact of artisanal fisheries as a pathway to food security for communities in Zimbabwe. The study area received 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. The study revealed that the fish industry is an invaluable source of food security for rural communities in Zimbabwe; 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.
KEY WORDS: Zimbabwe, artisanal fisheries, aquaculture, fish farming, food security, climate change