APPENDIX 1
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING PARTICIPANTS

1. DELEGATES

2. OBSERVERS

APPENDIX 2
OPENING SPEECH

by

N. M. Nkambule
Under Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture & Co-operatives

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 4TH STEERING COMMITTEE ON AQUACULTURE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME - N.M. NKAMBULE - UNDER SECRETARY MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND CO-OPERATIVES

I feel highly honoured to have been invited to conduct the official opening of this 4th Steering Committee of Aquaculture for Local Community Development Programme. Before I proceed Mr. Chairman, please allow me to extend a word of welcome to you all on behalf of myself, the Government and the people of Swaziland. I would like to welcome in particular, representatives of the various SADCC member countries, the SIDA delegation, FAO delegation, and all those who are intimately involved with the ALCOM programme. I wish you a very happy stay in Swaziland. Please feel free to visit some of the numerous attractions in this part of the country.

Looking back in history, one is confronted with a glaring evidence of numerous efforts that have been undertaken by humanity at large, to try and alleviate the plight of the poorest segment of the world's populations. Many of our countries, great and small have embarked on aggressive development programmes aimed at eliminating hunger and improving the general welfare of their citizens. This task has not been an easy one for us in the developing world. The rate at which we produce our basic food needs, in the majority of case, lags far behind the rate at which our populations are increasing. As a result a large proportion of the countries in our region have to contend with a persistent food deficit. While the countries in the North are confronted with the problem of over nutrition and over eating, countries in the South have to find ways and means of dealing with the problem of under-nutrition. One nutrition study after another has conclusively revealed the ugly face of malnutrition in the third world countries, especially among the populations in rural areas.

Where these societies have succeeded in making food available, there are still economic barriers which inhibit accessibility. The bulk of the populations remaining under-fed in an environment of abundance. Protein diets frequently fall in this category.

The cost of red meat and that of equivalent products continues to be on an uncompromising upward trend. This is enough bad news for us in our campaign to meet the nutrition requirements of our citizens. Nevertheless, in spite of these obstacles, we remain committed to the noble goal of making food available to our citizens. We believe that it is the right of every human being created by the almighty God to have access to a balanced diet. Nevertheless, the naked truth is, while you are gathered here as experts in the state of the art, there is a desperate soul out there in the lonely countryside who will never know about your deliberations at this meeting. But at least, if your meeting today could make a difference in his life, you shall have accomplished your fundamental goal, and you will never regret the time you spent in Swaziland. Your meeting here will be in vain unless you can make a visible impact on the lives of the people you are here to serve. When I see you gathered in this manner to discuss fisheries, which is a food issue, I am inclined to believe that there is still hope in the SADCC region. The battle is not lost.

It is in this light that we in Swaziland have attached a lot of importance to your meeting this week. I appeal to you to work diligently, with devotion and total commitment to the fundamental objectives and aspirations of this committee on Aquaculture for Local Community Development.

There is no doubt that fish remains one of the cheapest forms of protein. It is an alternative that makes sense. Should fish be made available to our people at sufficient quantities, half of the battle shall have been won. That is why, it is imperative for this meeting to come out with concrete and attainable solutions to the current problems impending aquacultural development in our region.

The importance and timing of this meeting Mr. Chairman cannot be over-emphasised. We are still at the beginning of the last decade of the twentieth century but already we have witnessed drastic changes in our world.

Foremost, among these is the democratization of Eastern Europe which has created open societies in these countries. There is also the current war in the Gulf. The world economic order has been shaken as a result of these events. There is constant fear that the economic assistance which has been directed at legitimate development projects in our region, my have to be curtailed in favour of pressing priorities in the north. We are apprehensive about the future of financial support, in particular, to our fisheries development effort. We need reassuring solutions that will allay our fears in this regard.

I understand that one of the objectives of this meeting is to review the achievements of your steering committee during year 1990. The other tentacle of your assignment is to develop strategies and a work programme for the second phase of this endeavour. We hope that your work programme for the coming phase will be aggressive enough to demonstrate a meaningful impact on the fisheries development effort in our region. The development of aquaculture in our respective countries has been sluggish but nevertheless impressive. About two decade ago, there was virtually no mention of this subject in Swaziland. But today, it is gratifying to note that there are over 250 family fish ponds scattered all over the countryside. Naturally, we still have a long way to go. There are still problems blocking our path to success. These include an acute shortage of trained manpower, lack of a comprehensive aquaculture policy as well as the problem of inadequate infrastructure. Also inhibiting progress in this area has been the general negative attitude of the Swazi population towards fish consumption. Being a land locked country, Swaziland has housed a society of non-fish eaters. However, in recent years, negative attitudes towards fish eating are on a sharp decline. A recent study, initiated by this programme has revealed that fish is now a palatable dish and its consumption is on the increase. In fact the study has indicated that fish supply is now unable to meet the prevailing high demand. Nevertheless it is our assessment that fisheries production in this country has not been exploited to its fullest potential. This is a problem we share with our sister countries in the SADCC region.

It is for this reason Mr. Chairman that SADCC member states attach a lot of importance to the efforts of this Steering Committee for Aquaculture. In its short history ALCOM has made some significant strides. I understand that the programme has implemented a number of pilot projects in some of the SADCC member states. I hope that in the coming phase, all the countries in the region will realise more tangible benefits from this development effort.

There is no doubt Mr. Chairman that the task before ALCOM is an arduous and challenging one. This effort is further aggravated by the limited resources at the Programme disposal. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic that this programme will achieve its objectives.

Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, allow me, on behalf of the SADCC States to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to our donor partners who are actively involved in this development effort. We would like to assure them that their efforts are not in vain. Through this Programme, we anticipate a bright future for fisheries development in the SADCC region.

With these remarks, I now declare the 4th Steering Committee Meeting for Aquaculture for Local Community Development officially open.

THANK YOU !!

APPENDIX 3
AGENDA

APPENDIX 4
PROGRESS REPORT 1990 AND WORK PLAN 1991

by

A. Andreasson
Programme Manager

1. INTRODUCTION

The Work Plan 1990 was designed with the perspective of a five-year programme to be started in October 1989. However, the Work Plan was revised during the 3rd Advisory Committee Meeting (September 1989) as follows:

“In view of the likely termination of the FAO/ALCOM Programme at the end of 1990 it was stressed that the Programme should concentrate in the coming year on the two main objectives:

1. to develop and test methodologies
2. to generate national projects.

Methodologies would be prepared and presented on extension/training and on surveys as tools for aquaculture development. The work on small water bodies should continue with basic socio-economic investigations to facilitate a timely implementation of these as national projects or within a reorganized ALCOM. The pilot projects in Zambia would continue, expected to become national projects after 1990.”

In the beginning of 1990 there were indications that continued funding was likely from Sweden. Therefore the Programme gradually reverted to the original Work Plan. It should be noted that delays in the implementation occurred because of the initial uncertainties about the funding.

The year was for operational reasons regarded as an “interim phase” between the preparatory phase, ending October 1989 and the implementation phase starting October 1990.

This document presents the Progress Report 1990 and the Work Plan for 1991.

2. OBJECTIVES

The objectives as defined in the Plan of Operation are quoted for easy reference:

The overall (development) objective is an increase in cash income and/or animal protein component in the diet of rural communities, achieved through increased production of fish from small-scale aquaculture integrated with mixed farming systems or as a complement or alternative to traditional small-scale fishing.

The intermediate objective is the adoption in such communities of appropriate fishculture practices, introduced, promoted and supported through other nationally and internationally funded projects concerned with rural development and integrated into the local farming systems.

The immediate objective is the provision of fishculture methods and systems, which have been tested in pilot projects and demonstrated to be technically, economically and socially appropriate for the target communities identified.

The target communities are those which depend for a living on family scale mixed farming systems or small-scale fisheries, based partly on subsistence and partly on the local market economy.

The Programme has two main orientations: methodology development and development support:

A. Methodology development

The methodology development includes the identification and detailed analysis through pilot projects of:

1. aquaculture methods and practices, which utilize the benefits of a high level of integration with major farming systems
2. practices for the utilization of small water bodies benefiting the local communities
3. cost effective extension systems liaised with other existing extension systems, adapted extension material and curricula and material for the training of extension officers
4. methods in relation to the above for the involvement of women and youth in aquaculture development
5. methods for small-scale rural fish farming minimizing and preventing the risk for spreading waterborne human diseases and methods for integration of fish production with soil conservation programmes
6. cost effective methods for gathering of information and data for national planning and project design

B. Development support

The development support includes the generation and implementation of regional and national programmes/projects through:

1. assistance in identification of investment opportunities in rural aquaculture
2. project identification and formulation, including feasibility studies
3. mobilization of funds for regional and national projects
4. managerial and technical assistance through implementation
6. monitoring and evaluation

An Information Service has been established for the dissemination of findings and results from the programme activities among the participating countries as well as among other parties engaged in rural aquaculture development.

3. METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

3.1. Aquaculture and farming systems

Integration of aquaculture into farming systems requires adaption of the aquaculture component as well as of crop production and animal husbandry. Aquaculture in Southern Africa is, at the small-scale level, added to other farm activities. Priority is usually not given to the fish farming component. In studying and promoting small-scale aquaculture at this level it is thus of importance that the changes advocated in the farming system are on a scale not preventing the farming household to adopt fish farming.

The agriculture calendar, which identifies periods of the year with peak labour demands, is a useful instrument in deciding on wether to promote fish farming or which practices and methods to promote. The division of labour between gender and age in the households is also an important consideration.

The study and promotion of aquaculture integrated with agriculture and animal husbandry needs to consider socio-economic as well as biological and technical factors. Fish farming needs initially to be promoted as an extra activity of the households, satisfying limited demands in terms of cash income and household food security, without drastically reducing the households' employment of resources in existing activities.

Description: Desk studies, literature reviews and field studies are carried out to document major farming systems and identify feasible aquaculture practices.

Progress in research is followed and documented through contacts with research institutions/organizations and other projects.

Pilot projects dealing with the concept of aquaculture and farming systems will be identified, prepared and implemented as separate activities.

Technical assistance is provided to rural development programmes/projects in identifying the potential for incorporating aquaculture, identification of training needs for extension staff and technical backstopping.

Objective: The pilot project objective is increased income and improved household food security in rural communities through aquaculture integrated with existing farming systems.

The immediate objectives are:

1. adequate, decentralized fingerling production
2. increased pond production through improved management using and recycling on-farm inputs
3. an efficient extension system
4. women and youth engaged in fish farming
5. aquaculture integrated into rural development projects

Description: Luapula Province has the land and water resources to support small-scale fish farming. The development might however be hampered by acid soils. Fish farming is expanding rapidly and a recent census revealed that there are more than six hundred farming households with fish ponds, up from approximately 300 one year ago. The stated objective of the households is first food for home consumption, but the ponds are also expected to provide some cash. The present productivity is low due to inadequate management practices.

The number of women in fish farming in the Province has expanded fast and some 40 women fish farmers have constructed ponds and initiated production.

The extension system is inadequate and the Government Fish Farms in Fiyongoli and Mwenda are undergoing rehabilitation. The supply of seed does not meet demand and there are uncertainties about the quality of seed produced.

The pilot project encompasses activities under the following main headings:

1. aquaculture and farming systems. Trials with the utilization and recycling of inputs produced on the farms. Alternative uses of on-farm products and comparative advantages are studied. Trials have been initiated with the production of suitable inputs on the farms.
2. acid soils. The effects of acid soils will be studied and trials initiated to overcome the problems.
3. development and test of extension approaches and material. The extension material prepared is based on the outcome of (1).
4. training of extension officers and farmers
5. fingerling production and distribution, both from Government Fish Farms and through promoting decentralized seed production

The project is carried out as a joint effort between Department of Fisheries, Luapula Province, and ALCOM in collaboration with ARPT (Adaptive Research Planning Team) for farming systems research and with financial support from IRDP (Integrated Rural Development Programme) and FINNIDA.

Assessment: The pilot project faced initial delays through lack of transport and delays in the release of funds. The structure of the project with several agents poses coordination problems, although providing useful experience of integration of aquaculture into the rural development programs/projects.

Future: The pilot project will need approximately four more years to produce tangible results. The focus should be on farmer managed research and trials to optimize the benefits from fish farming. Increased attention will be given women fish farmers and the effect of fish farming on household food security.

Objective: The overall objective is the introduction of improved methods for intermittent harvesting

The immediate pilot project objectives are:

1. documentation of the occurrence of intermittent harvesting
2. documentation of advantages and disadvantages of intermittent harvesting methods
3. improved methods

Description: The fish farmer surveys in Zambia revealed the widespread occurrence of intermittent harvesting. To determine the bio-technical and socio-economic advantages and disadvantages a pilot project was formulated. Detailed case studies of selected farming households will be carried out to collect data on the relation of fish farming to the overall socio-economic situation and farming systems. Fish farmers practising different harvesting strategies will be monitored during 12–18 months to collect data on fish pond management, frequency, quantity and quality of fish harvested as well as patterns of fish consumption and sale of fish. A simulation model has been designed. It includes in the first stage biotic factors. Other factors (socio-economic) will be included in later stages. On-station and on-farm trials will compare effects of different harvesting strategies on yield. Improvements will be identified and tested with selected farmers.

Assessment: The implementation of the project has been delayed due to lack of suitable on-station and on-farm sites. The pilot project needs to be revised before implementation.

Objective: The overall objective is to increase the supply of animal protein and to increase income earning opportunities for the rural communities in Lubombo Region.

Description: Aquaculture, although recent, has been established in the region. However, it did not develop to the level which was foreseen. Special problems, including the destruction of hatcheries and ponds by the cyclone Domoina in 1984, have occurred.

There are numerous farmers in the region who have constructed small ponds for irrigation of vegetable gardens. These ponds offer a potential for fish production. To realize the potential there is a need for changes in the construction and for an integration with the vegetable gardening to achieve acceptable production levels.

Assessment: Not applicable

Future: The project is planned for 4 years. After the initial experiences are gained in Lubombo District the project will be expanded to other districts. Complementary activities will continuously be identified requiring revisions of the project.

Objective: To document the relations between aquaculture practices and farming systems in North-Western Province of Zambia.

Description: The fish farmer surveys (SSP/ZAM) gave indicative information on the integration of aquaculture in existing farming systems. Scarcity of labour and scarcity and seasonal better alternative uses of other inputs (feed and fertilizers) seemed to be some of the reasons for the low productivity.

The study aimed at verifying these findings through in-depth studies of selected households in the province. The households were selected to represent those who had stared applying own resources and those who had received subsidies. Households were also selected to represent farmers who had been practising for more and less than five years.

Field work was carried out in June 1989.

Assessment: Will await clearance of the report.

3.2. Utilization of small water bodies

The potential for fish production in small water bodies was highlighted by the Thematic Evaluation of Aquaculture in 1987 and also by international fora, such as CIFA (1987 and 1990). Numerous small water bodies have been/are being constructed in the region. Fish production has been given low priority and there is a need to further study and demonstrate the potential benefits.

Management methods to be chosen for the utilization of small water bodies should be adjusted to the bio-technical characteristics, but it is also important to consider the characteristics of surrounding communities.

Practical examples can be found that stocking and controlled fisheries give good returns. Major problems are however encountered in establishing management practices through which the surrounding community(ies) control the management and exploitation.

Traditional methods for aquaculture-related techniques for management of flood-plains and swamps to increase harvest season are found in Southern Africa, as well as in other parts of the world. Also these techniques need to be studied and tested in other areas.

Description: Three pilot projects have been initiated in Botswana, Lesotho, and Zambia. Pilot project areas cover a wide range of climate, fish fauna, social organization and traditional fish eating habits. The findings of the pilot projects will be complemented with desk studies and surveys. Information and experiences from other regions will be evaluated and disseminated.

Assessment: Not applicable

Future: Utilization of small water bodies is expected to remain a major target area for the programme period. Dissemination of information, training and larger scale applications will be of increasing importance.

Objectives: The overall objective is to test and demonstrate methods to increase the production of fish from small water bodies benefitting the local communities.

The immediate objectives are:

• increased production of small dam fisheries through evaluation, monitoring and management of fish stocks, including enhancements such as restocking and introduction of new species

• employment of fishing gear appropriate to the fishery and the local communities

• implementation of fisheries management strategies through local communities

• trained Government staff to assist communities to exploit the fishery potential of small dams

• adequate production of fish seed to stock dams

Description: Information on physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of small dams has been gathered and evaluated. Seven small dams were selected for in-depth studies of local community fish eating habits and relative fish population densities to assess the demand for fish and the potential for increased production.

During the exploitation phase the following activities are envisaged:

• monitoring of relative fish population densities and fishing activities in seven selected dams

• test and demonstration of improved fishing methods

• implementation of fisheries management through local organizations

• on-the-job training in small dam management for Government staff

Assessment: The socio-economic survey revealed community interest and potential for fishing. It will be used as a guide for formulation of management strategies. Results from initial test fishing show that large stocks of barbus, catfish and tilapia are present. Government has given aquaculture high priority for development efforts.

Future: A Project Formulation Framework for UNDP assistance to Small Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture Development beginning in 1992 has been prepared. The eventual project would address the need for a hatchery to stock reservoirs and fish ponds. It would utilize the reservoir assessment and management methods tested by the pilot project.

Objective: The overall objective is to increase the production of fish from existing small water bodies benefitting the local communities.

The immediate objectives are to:

• develop, test and demonstrate practices by which local communities can improve the fish yield from reservoirs and water conservation dams
• involvement of women and youth
• minimization of the spread of waterborne human diseases.

Description: The pilot project was initiated in 1989 with a socio-economic survey of fishing activities and fish eating habits and attitudes in two selected areas. It was concluded that there is demand for fresh and sun dried fish which warrants an increase in fish production. It is likely that fresh fish initially will substitute for imported tinned fish. The scope for and interest of women to exploit reservoir fisheries were confirmed.

The activities encompass an inventory of reservoirs and collection of technical data on selected reservoirs, including test fishing. Management options (based on Government policies and community interest) will be elaborated and tested, including stocking and regulation of the fisheries.

Based on the inventory of reservoirs, up to five sites will be selected for further study.

Assessment: Initial test fishing showed established populations of indigenous large-size Barbus, Labeo, and Clarias spp., with some exotic bass, carp, and bluegill sunfish. Many people were observed fishing with hook and line. Investigations covering fishing activities, inventory of reservoirs, and review of local fisheries literature are needed to complement information from the fish sampling programme for use in the elaboration of management options.

Future: The Fisheries Section is developing fish-cum-duck techniques which eventually could be tested to improve the production in smaller reservoirs.

Objectives: The overall objective is to increase the production of fish from small water bodies benefitting the local communities.

The immediate objectives are:

• increased production from small water bodies through stocking when feasible
• employment of appropriate gear
• fisheries management through surrounding communities
• a cadre of trained Government staff for the application of results on a larger scale

Description: Eastern Province of Zambia has some 200 reservoirs on which a limited fishery is carried out. There is a high demand for fish and the reservoirs could contribute to some extent to satisfy the demand.

Management strategies will be identified and implemented on a pilot scale. Their effects will be monitored in terms of fish stocks and fish produced, consumed and marketed.

Assessment: Initial test fishing showed a large stock of unexploited small pelagic cyprinids. One reservoir is being fished bi-monthly to establish the most suitable time of the year for measuring impact of management strategies on the fishery. Activities will remain limited to Chipata District during 1991.

Future: The pilot project will continue through 1994 to produce reservoir fishery assessment and management guidelines based on tangible improvements in reservoir fishing.

3.3. Extension/training methods

The aim of the activities is to develop, test and demonstrate cost-effective extension methods and materials for training of and support to fish farming households.

The activities are carried out either separately or integrated with other pilot projects.

The low level of fish farming in several areas of the region results in low priority given by the Governments to establish and maintain an exclusive aquaculture extension service. While designing activities this should be considered and attempts made, whenever feasible, to complement the technical extension capacity available, with the utilization of existing extension systems (in first hand agriculture).

There is in some countries in the region a great need for trained Government staff, both on a basic level and for more specific skills.

Extension methods and approaches have traditionally not considered gender issues. In line with the increasing emphasis given to the involvement of women in development, methods for extension need to be adjusted to enable the extensionists to address gender issues.

Description: Extension methods currently applied in agriculture, rural development and fish farming will be surveyed and evaluated for their potential in small-scale fish farming development. The testing and demonstration of extension methods and material will be an integral part of all pilot projects. The need for extension methodology development will be assessed and specific pilot projects proposed.

Information on extension methods will be disseminated to the participating countries.

In the context of pilot projects, study tours will be provided for Government staff and fish farmers. Government staff will attend short training courses, through fellowships, with priority given to courses in Africa.

Assessment: Not applicable

Future: Increased emphasis will be given to the dissemination of information and larger scale application of feasible extension systems and methods, integrated when possible with existing systems in other sectors and activities carried out by NGOs.

Objective: The overall objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of, and develop a methodology for, the introduction of small-scale aquaculture in rural communities with a participatory approach

The immediate objectives are to:

• develop an extension methodology which enables rural farming households to evaluate, select and implement practical fish farming systems based on locally available materials
• train extensionists to use the system
• develop effective means of communications between aquaculture technicians/extensionists and community members

Description: This activity which started in March 1987 is carried out as a pilot project in Eastern Province, Zambia. Communities interested in fish farming were identified and described, together with potential sites for aquaculture. A participatory method for introducing fish farming into these communities was developed and tested, and the results are being monitored. A short course for training of extensionists to use the method was developed. Special supporting studies are undertaken to address issues arising during the project. Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of the extension method is carried out.

Assessment: The pilot project has achieved its initial targets. An extension approach has been developed and tested together with associated material. This phase of the pilot project will be finalized with the preparation of a report including a manual for the method.

Future: Activities will be continued by the Department of Fisheries, with monitoring of results and long term evaluation of the extension method. The same method will be tested in Luapula Province of Zambia.

Objective: The overall objective is the establishment of an effective extension service for fish culture.

The immediate objectives are to:

• develop an extension methodology and related extension material
• design and implement a pilot extension service system
• prepare curricula and material for training of extension staff
• train medium-level technicians in extension methods
• train existing extension workers on basic fish farming techniques

Description: Fish culture training and extension materials adapted to the local conditions, and trained staff, are needed to expand the coverage of the extension service. The activities of the pilot project, planned for one year, encompass development and testing of extension service systems and the training of extension staff.

Assessment: Close collaboration has been established with the Department of Fish Culture and the Agricultural Training Centre (CFA) in formulating fish farming extension methods, materials and service system. Staff of CFA lead both courses, and all available Department of Fisheries staff are being trained.

Future: Rural fish farming development has been given high priority within the livestock sector. The extension methods developed and the collaboration initiated among Government institutions during 1990, will be strengthened within the framework of a proposed integrated rural development support programme.

Description: Angola has a vast physical potential for aquaculture, which so far is unrealized. Early attempts during the colonial period to establish fish farming were confined to fish ponds at large plantations for food for workers. There was no establishment of aquaculture institutions and infrastructure. There is no known ongoing fish farming.

A fish culture section has been created within the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Florestal, within the Ministry of Agriculture and aquaculture has been included in the national development plans since 1980.

A demonstration unit in Funda north of Luanda is under construction. The unit will be used for trials regarding viability of fish farming and for training of extension officers and potential fish farmers.

ALCOM launched during November 1990 a preparatory mission to Angola. It was agreed that areas for collaboration would initially be training of staff and technical support for the demonstration unit.

3.4. Women and youth in aquaculture development

Women play a crucial role in food production in Southern Africa, especially in the production of subsistence crops. The number of female headed households is high, due to labour migration. These households face specific problems in terms of resources as labour, land and capital. Their access to extension and credit is often limited.

While female households would benefit from an increased animal protein supply and increased cash income, there are constraints preventing them from engaging in fish farming.

Both for female headed households and for women in male-headed households the traditional extension systems are often inadequate. Extension is mainly directed towards men without considering the advantages of the extension message being directed also to those who to a large extent are involved in the day-to-day operations.

High unemployment and urban drift are prevalent for the youth in the region. The rapid population increase is not compensated for by the creation of jobs outside the existing farming. There is a need to promote aquaculture as one possible income generating activity for such groups.

Description: Literature reviews and studies in connection with other programme activities reveal information on constraints and potential for an increased involvement of women in aquaculture development. Specific studies are undertaken on constraints and possibilities.

The focus is on the identification of options and activities to be included in first hand in ongoing activities or as separate projects.

Assessment: Not applicable

Description: A workshop was held in December 1990 on Enhanced Women's Participation in Fisheries and Aquaculture. It was organized in cooperation between FAO, Rome, and ALCOM, with contributions from other FAO-projects in Africa and Asia. The workshop reviewed the experiences of policies and strategies for the involvement of women as equal partners in development and recommended strategies and guidelines for future work.

Assessment: The workshop was well attended and the participation was on a professionally high level. It made progress in identifying strategy components for the integration of gender issues in fisheries and aquaculture development. The focus was on a community approach including gender issues, not specific women's issues. Strategy components were identified in relation to “agents” for development (the community, national, regional, and global projects, FAOs structure with regular programme, including regional offices and regional fisheries bodies, Governments and donors) and the project cycle. The workshop achieved its objectives. The impact will depend on the follow up activities.

Description: The activities will focus on the identification of possibilities to involve youth in aquaculture with both a short and a long term perspective. Areas will be identified where there is a potential for aquaculture development. Considerations will be given to the economics of scale.

Achievements; No activities carried out during 1990

Future: The implementation of pilot projects will to the extent possible be through other ongoing projects. Extra funding will be sought for the implementation of other projects.

3.5. Environmental aspects of aquaculture

Environmental effects on and off aquaculture in the SADCC region are related to the limited and often seasonal water resources. Where aquaculture practices depend on seepage water, the ground water table might be lowered due to increased evaporation. Aquaculture practices are also influenced by the water quality and negative effects can be expected in areas close to urban centres and in agriculture areas with excessive use of pesticides.

In some areas soil erosion can make aquaculture activities unsuitable with the silting up of small reservoirs and ponds. Action to prevent soil erosion, for example through building silt traps, could provide sites for fish farming.

Waterborne human diseases can increase with aquaculture development which is not properly managed.

Research related to these issues is being carried out in many programmes and institutions. On-site testing and monitoring of environmental effects however is needed as a part of the programme's activities.

Description: The region focus increasing problems with water scarcity, competition among water users and water quality. ALCOM's work related to environmental aspects will be initiated within the frame work of Water Resources Management, and encompass among other activities those related to waterborne human diseases, acid soils and water quality.

Achievements: No activities were initiated during the year, awaiting the arrival of a APO Ecologist.

3.6. Information needs for national planning and project design

The information available on the status of aquaculture and problems faced by practising fish farmers is scattered and incomplete and does not provide sufficient data for national planning and project design.

The aims of the activities under this target area are to develop cost-effective methods for gathering data and to demonstrate applications and usefulness.

Description: The surveys of fish farmers carried out in Zambia 1987–1989 provided useful information on the socio-economics of small-scale fish farming. They also gave experiences of survey methods and their implementation.

Surveys could be used as tools for small-scale aquaculture development. This activity aims at, based on the experiences gained from surveys in Zambia, determining the usefulness of the method and to prepare guidelines for its application on a larger scale.

Assessment: Not applicable

3.7. Aquaculture and human nutrition

The third Advisory Committee Meeting recommended that activities related to aquaculture and human nutrition should be initiated only if additional funding was secured.

Funding was provided during 1990 from the project Strengthening the Role of Fish and Fisheries in Alleviating Malnutrition (GCP/INT/467/NOR) for activities through ALCOM.

The aims of the activities are to analyse the role aquaculture plays in human nutrition in Southern Africa and to investigate to what extent aquaculture practices can be adjusted to satisfy animal protein requirements.

Objective: Increased consumption of fish in rural households and an increased role of aquaculture in household food security.

Description: The programme will assist the participating countries to implement recommendations of the Technical Consultation on the Role of Aquaculture in Human Nutrition, which was held in 1989.

The activities will encompass support to national coordinating groups in conducting national planning conferences, plan and implement activities to introduce household food security objectives in aquaculture development.

Assessment: The activities delayed because of National Expert Nutritionist in Zambia available only for 6 month during the year.

Activities 1991

Activities will be proposed after consultation with GCP/INT/467/NOR.

4. DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

The aim is to assist the participating countries to apply on a larger scale results from ALCOM and other projects.

Description: Activities are initiated upon the request from participating Governments, Non-Governmental organizations and donor agencies. These may include the identification of investment opportunities, project identification and preparation (including feasibility studies), mobilization of funds, managerial and technical assistance during implementation, and training in project formulation, management, monitoring and evaluation.

5. INFORMATION SERVICE

The aim is to assist the participating countries in getting access to information on aquaculture development and techniques from other regions, in exchanging information between the countries in the region as well as dissemination of information on methods and results in ALCOM projects.

Description: The main elements in the information service are reports, exhibitions, audio-visuals, video films, the library and the newsletter ALCOM News.

APPENDIX 5
STUDY TOUR TO MALAWI

Study Tour to Malawi

At the end of the 4th meeting of the Steering Committee, the Chairman held consultations with the representatives from Malawi and ICLARM and the Programme Manager of ALCOM concerning the proposed visit from the Steering Committee to the Department of Fisheries (Malawi). It was agreed that:

1. the group would consist of the following countries :-
   • Mozambique
   • Tanzania
   • Zimbabwe
   • Lesotho and
   • Swaziland
2. the visit should take place preferably between August and September 1991.
3. the visit would be for a total of 5 days to ICLARM and other aquaculture development projects in Malawi and
4. the Programme Manager will make a formal request to Malawi and obtain official nominations from the respective member countries.