Rapid rural appraisal, participatory rural appraisal and aquaculture
by Philip Townsley
The paper distinguishes between rapid rural appraisal (RRA) and participatory rural appraisal (PRA).
RRA is an activity carried out by a group of people from different professional disciplines which usually aims to learn about a particular topic, area, group of people, or whatever else is of concern to those organizing the RRA. It uses a set of guidelines and tools to involve local people in the collection of information, organizing it so that it is easily understood by a wide range of people, and quickly analyzing and reporting findings and suggesting appropriate action. RRA is responsive and flexible, achieves an understanding of processes and dynamics, and because analysis is carried out during the appraisal, provides its own opportunities for cross checking. RRA has been criticized for providing findings which are not statistically sound.
PRA is distinguished from RRA in a number of respects. Ideally, it responds to the needs of communities and target groups rather than those of development workers and agencies. Thus RRA is more 'extractive' than PRA; the tools are used to help outsiders learn rather than to help local people analyze their own conditions and communicate with outsiders. Relatedly, the focus of PRA should be decided by the communities and the end product used by them, rather than outsiders. While is possible to use RRA purely for research, PRA is closely linked to action or intervention.
Advantages of PRA include that it may provide a means of identification of genuine priorities, that assist mobilization of community resources, leading eventually to more sustainable development activities. There are however dangers in raising expectations which cannot be realized, of proposing development plans to which agencies are incapable of responding, and of failing to take account of stratification within communities.
The relative appropriateness of RRA and PRA for the planning process in aquaculture depend on the type of planning framework in place. Within a sectoral planning framework, there is greater scope for the use of various forms of RRA. Within a more integrated planning framework, the use of RRA continues, but there is also scope for the use of PRA in certain contexts. For example, PRA might be used for participatory planning for resource conflict resolution. In a participatory planning framework, PRAs would form an integral part of any needs analysis or resource management activities.
Rural aquaculture: overview and framework for country reviews
by Peter Edwards
This introductory volume to a planned series of national reviews on the role of aquaculture in rural development comprises two parts: a global overview of rural aquaculture; and guidelines for individual country reviews. Although aquaculture originated over two millennia ago, it remains a relatively minor agricultural activity globally in comparison to agronomy and animal husbandry. Considerable promotion is required for aquaculture to fulfill its potential to provide significantly increased food, employment and income for the rapidly growing populations of underdeveloped countries. The term "rural aquaculture" reflects the target group of this series of reviews; impoverished small-scale farming households.
A systems approach is a prerequisite for effective promotion of rural aquaculture. Particular use is made of conceptual frameworks to facilitate understanding of myriad interrelated factors involved in socially and environmentally sustainable aquaculture production systems; to outline the means to assess the potential of aquaculture to contribute to rural development; and to outline the means to promote aquaculture for the target group where and when appropriate.
The case is made that the major constraints facing the promotion of aquaculture are not technical. They are the limited ability of developing countries to assimilate and adapt existing technology and limited local capacity in education, research and development. Contrary to popular belief, this applies to most countries of Asia as well as to Africa and Latin America. A more balanced approach to research would accelerate introduction of existing technologies methodologies for adaptation to various developing countries through situation appraisal, adaptive field research, and extension research. These need to be conducted in parallel with upgrading the educational and research and capacity of developing countries. Co-ordination of donor assistance from external agencies would greatly facilitate the process.
Socio-economics of African aquaculture from an Asian point of view
by P. Kumar
The paper looks at the similarities and differences between African and Asian aquaculture. It stresses that the similarities between Africa and Asia are much greater then the differences.
The paper focuses on pond size and management, especially input levels and at motivations for pond construction. It argues that ion Africa the pond size and management is especially closely related to the amount of on farm inputs available. The limited amount of these inputs therefore does not always justify an increase in pond size. In Africa, ponds are often constructed for reasons of status. The paper goes on to consider the implications for extension, arguing that there are good reasons for increasing aquaculture extension to a wide area.
Institutional delivery system for small scale aquaculture development
by K. Ch. Chong
The paper focuses on aquaculture development in Asia. It describes the role of small scale aquaculture in the region, particularly in relation to the development of shrimp culture and discusses the differences between different scales of aquaculture development. Some aquaculture industries can correctly be described as 'infant industries'. However, aspects of aquaculture production, particularly related to shrimps are now mature and based on highly developed technology.
The paper then goes on to outline socio-economic considerations such as the labour absorption capacity of aquaculture, and the role of aquaculture within rural households. It is argued that the labour absorption capacity of aquaculture is in fact limited. A number of problems of institutional support are identified. The principal focus is on problems within the government support services, mainly related to allocation of resources. Seed provision by governments has been beset with problems of both organization and budgetary allocation. It is recommended that as far as possible, support to the private sector should replace such functions.
Use of macro-economic information in policy formulation and planning for government support to small scale rural aquaculture
by Pierre Justin Kouka
While agricultural economists have extensively studied macro-economic problems related to agriculture in general, very little attention has been focused on the economics of aquaculture, especially macro-economic aspects of aquaculture production. Because of increased demand generated from increased population and consumer awareness of fish nutritional values, stock replacement and availability of wild-caught fish become questionable. As natural waters are being over-fished, the need for aquaculture development is conspicuous.
Aquaculture has been identified as one of the few profitable and expanding sectors of the agricultural sector, especially in developed countries where the industry's contribution to the agricultural economy is steadily increasing. Although it is predicted that aquaculture growth will be sustained over a long period of time, many challenges still need to be faced. Increased public awareness of the effects of aquaculture on the economy and the environment has brought aquaculture to the attention of policy makers. This has generated greater interest in data collection and information processing for a more holistic approach in aquaculture planning.
Aquaculture planning is hampered by inadequate and/or limited information about the existing conditions for aquaculture and fisheries. In many instances, the character and quality of data may vary spatially and temporally. This deficiency leads to a lack of economic estimation for the purpose of providing the short and long-term effects of rural aquaculture development.
The feasibility of aquaculture development depends on economic and social characteristics such as market conditions, availability of natural resources, and social attitudes. Thus, several conditions must be met in order to facilitate the successful implementation of an aquacultural project. These include but are not limited to: (1) favourable market for intended species; (2) positive attitude regarding aquaculture and the willingness of people to accept changes; (3) equitable access to natural resources such as land and water; (4) availability of inputs, equipment, materials, and services needed for aquaculture; and convincing indicators showing benefits to prospective fish farmers.
Although there is no prescribed remedy for policies in rural aquaculture development, it is evident that a well designed plan will provide an excellent tool for the formulation of aquaculture programs.
