The whole project documentation available in the file and fisheries library was read, with a special attention to the field documents, terminal report, evaluation report and all the technical reports from the project, with a view to understanding the background and bottlenecks as reported from the field.
One of these bottleneck was certainly the lack of data available for evaluating the pond number. In 1995, The Technical Review Mission mandated to evaluate the past activities and formulate if necessary a new document for a third phase, as proposed during the Third Kenya/Belgium Joint Commission “Development of a Sustainable Fish Farming Industry in Western Kenya”. According to the data base established (but not updated between 1986 and 1992, due to a computer breakdown) the actual number of ponds was 3 800, however, information obtained from the registration of fish farmers during training field days in more recent year indicated that ponds number could be more than 7 500.
In order to continue the project with a view to ensure its viability and sustainability, it would be important to be informed of its real impact. A socio-economic evaluation on a significant sample could be done for qualitative impact, but a reliable method should be applied to obtain a quantitative impact. At this time, only a transect-method evaluation could be used, but on an area of 47 700 square km, it would be a cumbersome and high-cost activity.
The consultant requested the FAO/Environment and Natural Resources Service (SDRN) in Rome to devise and implement a pilot study for fishponds inventory. The results ofthis study could be checked for accuracy using a satellite evaluation test using their newly available methods, and then could be further accuracy by field visits to compare the sampled area during his field visit in Kenya.
The main objectives was to double check the accuracy and reliance of the method applied on ponds of various sizes, with a view to eventually extending the technique to the whole area as a complementary evaluation tool.
ERS-SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data were available covering the area at different periods. They have been geometrically corrected and have a ground resolution of 12.5 m. In view of the inherent characteristics of the ponds (water impounded by earth dykes), the radar data were considered the most appropriate for air inventory of fishponds. A methodology was immediately developed then practical and financial agreement was reached in few days to execute a pilot study to test this kind of evaluation
The pilot study, which would cover two ERS-SAR scenes, totaling 20 000 square km., would develop the most appropriate methodology for fishponds inventory and assess the lower limit of accuracy of ERS-SAR data for this purpose. Satellite data acquired over the area in 1995–96 would be used. Results to be georeferenced, so that the fishponds inventory based on satellite data, and field checking by GPS (Global Positioning System) during the consultancy duration would be compatible.
An alternative system which could provide very accurate results is the interpretation of low flight aerial photos. However costs and time associated with this couldl be prohibitive.
Based on the Technical Review Mission's findings and recommendations, there is confidence that sustainable small-scale fish farming enterprises (or associations) could be established in the near future. A first project proposal was submitted to the Belgian Government in December 1995. The appraisal work group involved has approved the technical validity of the proposed program but insisted that it should reflect the criteria of the Belgium Survival Fund which is to develop sustainable small-scale fish farming enterprises beneficial to grass-root fish-farmers.
BSF contributions to the sector development must be focused on concrete assistance to marginalised people and to poverty alleviation in the Lake Basin Area, including setting up of an institutional framework that would permit a sustainable and more efficient responsibility-sharing between the Ministries concerned with fish culture and food production. Development of commercially viable fish farming enterprises could certainly be developed on a sustainable basis in the area, but major inputs from BSF must be provided to the target group (Grass-Root Fish Farmers).
More specifically, this final BSF intervention in support of rural fish culture would concern:
the development of a core of fish farming associations able to produce fingerlings themselves, provide transport and marketing of fingerlings plus fish feed from their own resources and able to provide a private service (training and transportation) for all small-scale fish farmers with a view to increasing the size of their markets and regional availability of fish,
the expansion of extensive fishculture in parallel with the above, together with a progressive intensification, through repetitive and intensive farmers training provided by extension services and fish farming associations themselves,
the promotion of small-scale fish farming as a means for reducing poverty and increasing the number of farmers involved in fishculture with a view to ensuring adequate protein intake (food security) in the whole Lake Basin area (where 1500 additional fish farmers could be involved during the next three years),
the training of agriculture extension agents in pond management and the effective and appropriate responsibilities-sharing between LBDA, DOF, Agriculture extensionists and advanced Fish Farmers with regard to fish farming development at front line level in the lake basin area.
With a view to introducing for LBDA the main guidelines of this strategy examined and found correct by BSF donors, the consultant prepared a new draft project document (based on his reading, experience and discussions with the POO and with donors) discussed also during a meeting on 26 June (TCO4 - BSF Representative).
Main guidelines as proposed, discussed in the above mentioned meeting and discussed with donor representatives (BSF) were as it follows:
It is still necessary to stabilize and institutionalize the achievementss of the previous project, but with a more focused objective of developing self-sustaining fish farm enterprises through (50) co-operatives or fish-farmers associations, and enlarging the number of grass-roots small-scale fish-farmers with a progressively increasing control of the program by the Kenyan people and Government. However, some major socio-economic factors which were not examined during the earlier second phase of the assistance and some unforeseen bottlenecks could hamper the development of sustainable fish farming enterprises.
Furthermore, there was a lack of relevant data on the agricultural systems in the region in relation to fish farming. Some topics have to be analyzed in detail such as: marketing, optimum size of enterprises, fish-feed formulation and distribution. More specifically, the lack of knowledge about the motivations and aspirations of the farmers (as well as social and cultural factors that would be affected by fish culture and commercial earnings), would hamper the sustainability of the actions of the project by proposing to them a technically inadequate or economically non-viable development strategy (e.g. feed acquisition when it is possible to use free available manure for marginalised fish-farmers, or making them indebted through credit schemes which they do not understand).
For these reasons, it is necessary, before implementing the third phase, to investigate and analyze the socio-economic environment and cultural influences of the target group and to precise its feasibility. This was partially carried out in Migori District (Nyanza Province) in 1993–1994 (ref. KEN/86/027 Field Doc.3) : preliminary results obtained by 16 trained farmers for 15 months “were encouraging, in spite of the fact that none of the farmers actively managed their ponds for fingerlings production”, … “no farmers (at that time) adopted the methods taught in the training course”, and “no farmers (at that time) raised fingerlings as an end to itself”. “The farmers do not empty their ponds due to a lack of fingerlings, yet the regular supply will not develop if there is no regular demand”
The one-sided promotion of high cost technology with formulated feeds, credit, frequent harvest wich had a negative response from potential beneficiaries (as in Migori District at that time), is a product of a lack of knowledge about or a narrow perception of fish-farmers needs. In response to failures, the Grass-Roots Small Scale Fish-Farmers turned their back on training recommendations and adapted their own methods to their real needs and solutions that they can do by themselves. It is absolutely indispensable to collect information from fish-farmers before deciding the best strategy for them.
Technical problems of fingerling transportation at low-cost (without use of motor vehicle) by fish farmers themselves are not completely solved: it is a real problem if any distance is to be covered. Appropriate technology must be investigated to solve this specific bottleneck.
Fish culture in high altitude (1 500 – 2000m) needs specific training for the concerned fish farmers together with appropriate and specific pond requirements (dike slope e.g. for producing fingerlings)
More emphasis must be placed on developing economically viable low-cost integrated fishfarming technologies that are also culturally and socially well adapted to the target and beneficiaries; appropriate cooking-extension must be done (e.g. fried fish with small and medium size fish) through women associations and illustrated booklets.
Appropriate polyculture technology in ponds could be most promising but should be done step by step, carefully, to avoid the destruction of the availability Tilapia fingerlings in the whole area (even though when marketing problems suspected are not solved). More investigations for increasing the Clarias fingerlings survival rate must be done at advanced Fish Farmers level.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock should be involved in extension to grass root farmers and in gathering information on the better use of farmers'natural resources in order to reduce wastage and increase production.
Agriculture extensionists should be trained in fishculture management by LBDA trainers with a view to popularizing sustainable integrated fish-farming activities. Such trained agriculture extensionists could take on the responsibility of training farmers in pond management, thus freeing the experienced LBDA cadres to spend more time on more important activities such as: training trainers and advanced farmers; prospecting for new sites; and supervising new pond construction. LBDA would conduct complementary training for DOF on management and artificial propagation of Clarias.
Finally, although the credit scheme operated through extension agents has been reoriented in the right direction and has begun to give some positive results in terms of yield and increase in number of ponds, its low re-payment rates and consequent fall off in availability of funds (for other clients) is a limiting factor for the sustainable development of fishculture activities. It is self evident that confidence and friendly relationships between farmers and extensionists is essential in any extension program and therefore credit agent activities by the extensionists could jeopardize these relations. It would be better to identify other methods of credit management (e.g. specialized credit agency, fishfarmers associations…) thus disengaging extensionists from this supplementary duty and permitting them more time for training and extension activities for more debt free beneficiaries.
According to field documents the technical problems of long distance fingerling transport without use of motor could be a bottleneck for fish farmers, the consultant imported three small aerators with small battery (pocketable type available in Rome fishing shops for live bait transportation) to be tested in the field with Tilapia fingerlings.
In addition, with the possibility in mind to use mechanical working power of bicycle to provide water agitation during transport, he requested advice from AGSE (FAO Engineering service) which advised him to investigate a solex system applied on the back wheel.
On his arrival in Kenya on 28 June, the consultant was met to the FAO Representative's staff. In Kisumu, he was welcomed by LBDA fisheries staff and started on field visits in the whole project area for two weeks with the Fisheries Officer/Ag. NPC. The Ag. Fisheries Specialist/NPC who had been away for 4 months training in Belgium, joined the Consultant mission on 15 July 1996, after field visits.
The main described activities were implemented systematically in every location, in Western, Northern and Southern parts of LBDA area. They are presented not in a chronological order but in a rational view to provide a comprehensive and recapitulative reading. A set of technical material (pH meter, GPS, compass, thermometer, altimeter, manual hand level and double meter) was brought by consultant so as to be able to evaluate ponds on objective criteria.
During field visits, several investigations were carried out on fish markets, with a view to determine the optimum size for producing Tilapia. Seven Fish Markets were investigated; a sample of various sizes of Fresh Tilapia from the lake was measured (total length and standard length) and weighed, then compared to other fishes (when available) and other products (fried fishes, skeleton of Nile perch from Kisumu factory, Omena, smoked fish). Complete results are listed in Appendix 1.
In all investigated fish markets, the highest price per Kg for fresh Tilapia was for table size fish 200 – 250gr (Ksh. 80 – 200 per Kg, depending on the market location and various other factors to be identified).
Everywhere, big size Tilapia (more than 2Kg/piece) were sold (per Kg) half the price of table size fish, and small Tilapia (less than 100gr) were not sold (except fried fish) or exceptionally by some Fish Farmers in a 2Kg tin (various mixed small size of fish).
The seven FPCs were visited in detail, measuring pH, T0, visibility Secchi disk, depth, altitude and areas. Results are listed in Appendix 2. giving details for evaluation.
The ponds were located accurately using the GPS for general further pond investigation and were mapped by the LBDA topography team for comparison with satellite records.
Discussions with fish farm supervisors in charge of management were oriented on: fish feed availability, market opportunities, respective prices of inputs and outputs, and book-keeping records.
125 fish farmers ponds within 31 sites covering 35.8 ha under water were investigated in the whole area, with the same objective and methods as for FPCs.
The results are listed in Appendix 3. In addition, specific investigations were undertaken concerning the site quality, pond management, market opportunities, fish feed availability, self help assistance from fish farmer to fish farmer, book keeping record practice and frequency of technical support from DOF and LBDA.
Some interviews were done during several hours, others were shorter, depending on the fish farmers' interest and enthusiasm for the fishculture activities and depending on their acquired technical and social level.
In several sites, the Consultant proposed appropriate improvements to fish farmers for increasing water depth through dike improvement, or suggesting some change for inlet water after spotting deviation canals from available rivers (instead of uncontrolled springs or ground water). The accompanying technical officers were introduced to various extension methods with appropriate extension field material.
In highlands (1500m – 2000m) special attention was given to Fish Farmers' problems in producing fingerlings because the project has never addressed on it previously. (e.g. slope of dikes must be 5 : 1 rather 2 : 1 for providing more space for nest building at warm temperatures).
For FPC and FF ponds, the Consultant used GPS (see appendix 4) to locate all ponds visited (various size, shape, color, depth etc.…) and set them by compass.
The area of the pilot study is shown in Appendix 5, and reported on the work set of maps at 1 : 50 000 scale in Appendix 6.
The ponds are generally rectangular or square in shape whilst other water bodies are often circular or egg-shaped (expected excavation for road construction, parallel to roads). With a view to marking them off on satellite records, the Consultant located some of water bodies. He noted all the specific information related to the located ponds and water bodies which might modify the radar interpretation (floating plants, chicken house on ponds, cribs and so on..) An example is provided in Appendix 7 for Kibos Center.
In addition, to complete the wider sampling available for interpretation, the Consultant trained one of the LBDA staff extensionists to continue records with the same method outside of his field visits. He recorded 40 additional ponds located in 12 sites covering 9.55 m2 under water.
Water bodies were present in the whole area and their use is a major problem for authorities: they constitute a lot of uncontrolled reservoirs for mosquitoes breeding and aquatic snails which are intermediate hosts for the bilharzia pathogen; they are never harvested.
The radar investigation could provide useful information for locating them and they could be utilized for extensive fishculture by marginalised people, using cow manure and organic materials in cribs. Tilapia and Clarias are mosquito-larvae eaters and Clarias can eat snails. With a view to decrease the number of these parasites and to provide available fish protein for the people around (by appropriate fishing practices such as traps, hooks…) some complementary trials could be done. Some 10 big permanent water bodies could be partially harvested with gill nets during the next preparatory phase in orderto investigate the possible existing fish populations. Fingerlings from FPCs could be purchased by the project to be stocked in these water bodies; 6 to 8 months later, a second investigation with gill nets could be done and compared with the first one. Depending on the results the method could be expanded to a larger number of water bodies allowing the number of beneficiaries applying extensive fishculture practice to be extended.
The 3 portable aerators bought in Rome were given for testing to the FPCs (Kibos and Lugari) and to the AFFG (Koibarak Fish Farmers Association : 50 members including 4 women).
A first trial was done in July, transporting from Kibos to Kitale 2 identical containers plenty of water (25 liters) and 750 Tilapia fingerlings each. The total transport duration was 2 hours for a distance (direct) of 125 km.
The results were as follows:
| Without aerator | With aerator | |||
| 750 fingerlings | 750 fingerlings | |||
| 2 h | 2 h | |||
| 125 km + | 125 km + | |||
| Mortality 115 fingerlings (15,3%) | Mortality 8 fingerlings (1%) | |||
That first result was very good but must be confirmed with complementary trials. The same model of portable aerator (battery operated - air pump) was identified in Nairobi at an affordable price of 1125 Ksh. The two batteries cost is only 38 Ksh: considering the Tilapia fingerling unit value is 1 Ksh, the 38 Ksh-cost is less expensive than the 108Ksh additional fingerling waste (without aerator) in that trial.
A local NGO named Kisumu Innovation - Kenya is specialized on bicycle transformation and it appears, after receiving identified requirements from consultant, that they can provide the requested adaptator for fingerling transportation on bicycle for the preparatory period.
According to the socio-economist consultant's presentations, the socio-economic factors influencing fish farming and relevant intervention strategies, needed to be assessed using appropriate methodologies for the effective generation of adequate information and to stimulate farmers' participation in the planning process.
The study program, proposed by socio-economist, contained three elements:-
A general methodology was proposed by thatConsultant to be applied at the local level if local capabilities were available in Western Kenya to carry out the study.
A number of agencies and individuals were then contacted and expressed interest to be involved. Some basic information about these agencies and individuals and their interest in the study is given below (source: Personal contacts and AMREF Investigations).
African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF)
AMREF is an international Non Governmental Organization (NGO) with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. There are country offices established in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. AMREFs' overall goal is to identify critical health needs and to develop, implement and evaluate activities/ programmes to meet such needs through operations research, service delivery and capacity building. The foundation has expertise relevant to the proposed study in: economics, sociology anthropology, nutrition, clinical medicine and computer operations. Currently, AMREF has a number of projects in Nyamira, Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu and Kakamega districts, all in Western Kenya
AMREF's interest in the study would be to coordinate the participating agencies in planning and implementation. The foundation has the capacity and willingness to provide the Principal Investigator: a sociologist with background in economics and experience in quantitative, qualitative and participatory research methods. AMREF would charge a professional fee of US $ 180 per person day worked. The fee would cover the input of the Principal Investigator and technical backstopping from its headquarters. AMREF can work at any level and not necessarily at the coordination level depending on the project needs.
CARE Kenya
The agency has three offices in Siaya, Homa Bay and Kisumu districts in Western Kenya. It is involved in implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) programmes in the fields of: Water and Sanitation; Child Survival, Agro-forestry; AIDS; Population activities;and Women and Development. The proposed study is of interest to the Agro-forestry programme. CARE would be interested in supporting the PRA component of the study. CARE will be useful in the training of PRA field assistants. A major limitation would be that the agency is not willing to participate in areas beyond the current CARE operation areas i.e. Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu. The charge per person day would be US$ 100 for PRA trainers.
OSIENALA
OSIENALA is an acronym in the local language for friends of Lake Victoria. The agency was established in 1994. Its objective is to mobilize communities to effectively restore lake victoria to its original status and exploit its resources in a sustainable manner. The agency has participated in fisheries management and the control of water hyacinth. Another area of interest is capacity building, so that communities can be able to organize themselves to become custodians of their environment, maximize resource utilization and fulfil their sustainable social economic aspirations. As much as possible, the role of OSIENALA is to stimulate and facilitate. It seeks partnership with others and believes in collaboration with existing organizations and networks. The agency has a technical committee that provides guidance and support to scientific studies. OSIENALA has expressed interest in the economic analysis of aquaculture. The charge per person day will be US$ 150.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Kenya Medical and Research Institute (KEMRI).
CDC/KEMRI has a project in Rarienda Division of Kisumu district. The project objective is to test the effectiveness of mosquito nets in reduction of child mortality. The agency has adopted the use of both social and clinical parameters. Nutrition status is one of the clinical parameters which is measured by weight, height, arm circumference, skin fold and birth weight. CDC has expressed interest to provide support on the clinical aspects of the proposed study. The agency is willing to make available an epidemiologist to support the study team. The charge per person day is US $ 150. A major limitation is that CDC is not willing to be directly involved in data collection beyond their present study area.
Akke Schuurmans (Consultant)
Akke Schuurmans is an applied anthropologist who has a working experience of over seven years in integrated water supply and sanitation projects in India, Pakistan, the Phillipines and Kenya. The main areas of expertise are gender and development (GAD), Community Mobilization (PRA), Health education and Institutional Development. Mrs Schuurmans would be interested to participate in the study formulation, including preparation of study instruments and training of research assistants. She will support the gender and institutional component of the study. Her professional fee is US$ 150 per person day.
Other impressive CVs of candidates on socio economic matters are available in the area and local people could probably better penetrate the local socio-economic aspects on fishculture, nutrition and health than external consultant.
In addition, Chambers (1994, see bibliography) indicate that PRA, was partly developed in Kenya with some local NGOs trained for that purpose.
Some of these local consultants and NGOs could easily organize and supervise the selection of adequate local expertise to set up the study through special service contracts within 4 – 6 months. Proposed budget for that purpose from AMREF is attached on appendix 9
Additional and complementary information can be provided progressively through technical works of fisheries staff for collection of data to set up for each pond and each fish farmer.
The Assistant Director welcomed and agreed on the Consultant's proposal on the need to collaborate and share responsibilities for front-line extension staff. They proposed a formal agreement of cooperation at regional rather than national level because their jurisdiction and the project area was limited to Western Kenya and specifically to the LBDA area. They proposed that a Consultative Steering Committee, comprising all concerned parties be convocated. This Committee would meet periodically, preferably quarterly, with the objective among others to promote and facilitate cooperation in attaining project targets and sharing of responsibilities between the three institutions at farmers level.
It was also agreed that LBDA would train all Agriculture and Fisheries Extension staff who are involved in fish farming development.
After field visits, a meeting was held at the LBDA Fisheries office in Kisumu on 18th July, 1996 on the new draft project document and Consultant's findings.
All technical senior officers participated with NPC, Fisheries officer and Consultant in discussions of the:
main findings by the Consultant during his mission review
the intervention strategies for the future project
outputs and activities for implementation during the preparatory phase
activities for implementation of the remaining/outgoing output and activities to be followed up in thephase of the next project.
After obtaining a general agreement on the strategy and main activities to involve, the Consultant fine-tuned the draft Prodoc and on a day by day collaboration basis with the NPC and Fisheries Officer
NPC, FO and Consultant presented respectively an introductory speech of their mission, the intervention strategies requested by BSF, and the implementation strategy with justification for a first year preparatory period (to prove to donors the economic viability of fish farming and to reorient activities for implementation phase with consideration for real fish farmers needs).
The representatives from UNDP agreed with our proposal; UNDP would not consent to parallel funding but only to cost-sharing. The Assistant Resident Representative therefore requested that FAO indicate to UNDP in writing that they would agree to UNDP and BSF funding the next phase on a cost-sharing basis, and a draft document incorporating UNDP's input.
After, a meeting was hold the last day of the Consultancy mission (6/8/96) in FAO Representative with all the concerned parties (GOK/ BSF/UNDP/FAO) to discuss in details the prodoc contains. A general agreement was established about it on a Cost-Sharing basis applicable for the preparatory and implementation phase as soon as the finalised prodoc will be signed,.
