Recent socio-economic surveys of fish farmers undertaken by ALCOM in three provinces of Zambia revealed a practice of intermittent harvesting strategies, whereby fish are taken regularly out of fish ponds (see 2.1). Similar strategies have also been identified in Zimbabwe.
Preliminary reviews of literature indicated that such harvesting strategies applied by small-scale farmers have been given little attention in research and extension. The bio-technical and socio-economic advantages or disadvantages of practising these strategies are therefore little understood.
During its second meeting in October 1988 the Advisory Committee of the Programme endorsed a proposal to initiate pilot activities on intermittent harvesting in two or three locations aimed at:
documentation of the occurrence of the strategy in selected areas in the region;
investigation and documentation of the bio-technical and socio-economic advantages and disadvantages for the farmer;
development and demonstration of methods for improving the practice;
evaluation of the long-term impact on the viability of fish farming systems employing such strategies.
It was recommended that these pilot activities be implemented through in-depth studies, on-station applied research and on-farm trials.
FAO assigned Ms. Sevaly Sen, Socio-economist and Mr. Johannes Janssen, Aquaculturist, to assist the Programme in formulating workplans for the implementation of these pilot activities in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The consultants visited Zambia and Zimbabwe 21 November to 22 December 1988 and reviewed available documentation in Rome, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A list of the references used is attached. The itinerary and list of persons met are attached as Appendix 1 and 2 respectively.
The Terms of Reference for the Consultants were to:
review available documentation on intermittent harvesting strategies
identify potential areas for pilot activities in Zambia and Zimbabwe;
propose protocols and detailed terms of reference for studies and trials to be undertaken
The complete Terms of Reference are reproduced as Appendix 3.
The mission visited small-scale fish farmers and government fish culture stations in Northern and Luapula Provinces, Zambia, in Murewa District, Zimbabwe, and the Henderson Aquaculture Station, Zimbabwe.
Socio-economic profiles, aquaculture profiles and brief descriptions of the fish culture stations of the areas visited are given in Appendix 4 to 6.
