Abstract:
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.
