Aquaculture (IIFET 2000)

Impacts of Aquaculture Extension on Pond Operators and the Rural Community

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Impacts of Aquaculture Extension on Pond Operators and the Rural Community Thompson, Paul M.; Sultana, Parvin; Nuruzzaman, Md.; Khan, Akm Firoz In 1990-1993 in Kapasia sub-district in central Bangladesh ICLARM introduced low-input aquaculture for pond owners to adapt into their farming systems. Impacts on production, fish consumption and markets were assessed in 1998-1999. The percentage of ponds stocked increased from 1990 to 1998, but did not differ significantly between past participants (increased from 61% to 90%), neighboring pond operators or a control area. In 1992 participants produced 2 t/ha compared with 0.5 t/ha in 1990. In 1997-1998 the previous participants produced significantly more 2.2 t/ha, compared with 1.6 t/ha for other pond operators in Kapasia and 1.3 t/ha in the control area (p<0.001, t-test). Non-participants learnt of aquaculture from neighbors or mass media. Total production from ponds in the project area in 1998 was 4.2 times greater than in 1990. Without that project, production would probably have gradually increased 2.8 times. Local fish markets were surveyed in 1991 and 1999. The volume of fish traded increased 8 times. Carp from local ponds now dominate trade. Consequently the real price of carp has fallen, while that of indigenous fish has increased. Detailed participatory monitoring revealed much higher fish consumption than recall data. Pond owning households consumed 211 kg per household in 1998-1999 (just under 90 g/person/day), about 25% came from their own ponds. Small fish purchased or caught in flooded fields were mainly consumed, pond fish were sold for income.

Social and Economic Issues in Aquaculture Development for Coastal Communities of Tabasco, Mexico

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Social and Economic Issues in Aquaculture Development for Coastal Communities of Tabasco, Mexico Perez Sanchez, Eunice; Muir, James F.; Ross, Lindsay G. Following an assessment of Mexican water resources by governmental agencies in the late 1940’s, Tabasco State was identified as a potential area for aquaculture development, as the State holds 30% of National water resources and an important share of Southeast Mexican fisheries, particularly for oyster production. However, conflicts and competition for coastal resources between the expanding oil industry and fishing communities are escalating, with consequences including severe environmental degradation. Though a number of aquaculture-linked development initiatives have been promoted, evidence suggests that issues of social benefit, integrated development and livelihood enhancement are poorly understood. This paper reports the findings of preliminary social and economic surveys of coastal communities engaged in aquaculture operations, and suggests that current approaches are unlikely to deliver benefit effectively as key issues have not been addressed. Preliminary recommendations are made based on trends and issues of particular importance to coastal communities, to improve livelihoods through better access to resources and infrastructure.

Adoption and Economics of Tilapia Farming Technology in the Philippines

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Adoption and Economics of Tilapia Farming Technology in the Philippines Sevilleja, Ruben This paper examines the circumstances under which farmers respond to the introduction of tilapia production technology, and analyzes the manner in which the benefits from such introduction are shared and distributed among recipients. The hypothesis that the inverse relationship between yields and operational land size widely observed in agriculture is tested whether it also applies in aquaculture. The highly differentiated agrarian structure of the Philippines influences to a high degree the process of freshwater aquaculture development. More specifically, farmers adopt tilapia farming because of financial and economic incentives because tilapia production is shown to be profitable. The results on the differences between farm size in tilapia hatchery operation strongly suggest that large farms are not as productive as small farms. However, the size-productivity relationship observed under grow-out operation illustrates a situation where the productivity of factors is determined by the relations of production. Tilapia culture, notably hatchery operation, results in increasing commoditization and there is growing market orientation of aquaculture production. As a consequence, the benefits from the technology depend upon access to and ownership of factors of production resulting in variations in the level of productivity and an unequal distribution of income.

Increasing Efficienty of Pond Fish Production in Rural Bangladesh

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Increasing Efficienty of Pond Fish Production in Rural Bangladesh Chowdhury, Masudul Hoq; Maharjan, Keshav Lall Fish is the main animal source of protein for the people of Bangladesh. As a principal source of protein, the per capita production of fish is declining. The present study highlights the development of pond fish production through grassroots level organization. The study was conducted in rural areas of Bangladesh. Eight villages were selected for this study of which four were from a rural development project area, the comprehensive Village Development Program (CVDP) and the rest were from non intervened area. It was revealed that level of education, size of land holding, family income etc. were important socio-economic factors affecting the utilization of pond fish farming. The findings of the study also indicated that, ownership pattern of pond, size of pond, location of ponds had a significant impact on pond fish production in the study area. The results of the study clearly indicated that the farmers of CVDP area had used more modern inputs like, manure, fertilizer, and feed and also better management practices than the non-CVDP area. The higher number of ponds (57%) in CVDP area was under intensive and semi-intensive cultivation, which gave them higher production (2653kg/ha/yr). On the other hand the majority of the ponds (72%) in non-CVDP area were under extensive cultivation (1100kg/ha/yr). Finally it might be concluded that, there was a sharp difference in the production practices of pond fish culture between CVDP and non-CVDP area. The grassroots level village organization had played a significant role in the process of technology transfer from the Thana level to the village level in the project area.