ANNEXURES (contd.)

Annexure 16

SECOND FISH CULTURE TRAINING COURSE FOR FISH SCOUTS CHIPATA 8–12 AUGUST 1988

ANNEX 1. Programme of training course for fish scouts

Annexure 17

Programme: seminar-school teachers-

Annexure 18

Programme: course for block supervisors

Annexure 19

Training course for Agriculture Block Supervisors.
Chipata Fish Farm

Brief report training course block supervisors 06/03/89 – 10/03/89

1. Participants

(3 block supervisors did not come)

2. Evaluation

• Need for more farmers days, held at other places in the province (preferably Nyanje, Lundazi). Block supervisors are able to select and organize a group of interested farmers.
  A similar day can be organised for camp officers, with emphasis on the training aspects.
• All participants were given a number of standard forms for site surveys, to be returned to DOF.
• All participants were very positive towards this course, and full cooperation in the future can be expected.
• There is a need for a printed manual, dealing with all aspects of fish culture.
• Field trips and practicals were found to be very useful.
• Food and accomodation at Katapola Farming Institute is poor, due to incapable manager. An alternative can be to purchase the food direct from the shops.

FAO/GRZ COURSE ON FISH CULTURE FOR BLOCK SUPERVISORS, at Katopola Farm Institute, from 6/3/89 to 10/3/89.

Annexure 20

TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR AGRICULTURE BLOCK SUPERVISORS LUSAKA/CHILANGA

20.2.89 – 24.2.89

List of Participants

1. Ms Edith Katunbu, Ag. Asst., North west Block, Lusaka
2. Ms Mwangala Liarp Simamba, Sr. Ag. Asst., Lusaka Urban East Block, Lusaka
3. Ms Finny C. Chabooka, Sr.Ag. Asst., Lusaka Urban, S.W. Block, Lusaka
4. Mr. Z. Mudenda, Ag.Asst. Mburuma Block, Lusaka
5. Mr. Elias Phiri, Sr. Ag. Asst., UNDA Block, Nyangwena, Chongwe
6. Mr. Muchenya Robert, Sr.Ag.Asst., Chongwe Block, Chalimbana, Lusaka
7. Mr. Wilfred W. Lungu, Sr.Ag.Asst., Rufunsa Block, Ag. Station, Lusaka
8. Mr. Hamasalu M. Stanley, Sr.Ag. Asst. Mungo Block, Kafue
9. Mr. Albert Wamundila, Sr.Ag.Asst., Chipapa Block, Chilanga
10. Mr. Ralph M. Nawa, Sr.Ag.Asst., Nkomeshya Block, Chongwe
11. Mr. Jose Munsanje, Sr.Ag. Asst., Lusaka Urban East Block, Lusaka

Programme

Major Conclusions

1. The participants felt that that course was very useful and that they learnt a lot about fish farming. This would enable them to assist potential fish farmers in a better way.

2. Publications in local languages (Nyanja, Tonga etc.) should be encouraged.

3. The course contents were good and worthwhile because the knowledge is essential for Ag. extension workers. So far, due to lack of knowledge potential fish farmers had been turn over!

4. Next Course may be held during tilapia breeding season.

5. Short courses may be arranged in the camps.

6. Block supervisors may arrange for meetings at which camp officers would gather.

7. News-letters may be started in this area.

Annexure 21

TRAINING COURSE FOR AGRICULTURE BLOCK SUPERVISORS COPPERBELT PROVINCE

April 3 – 6, 1989

Lectures concentrated on 3 main topics viz., site selection, pond construction and pond management.

Positive reaction from participants observed.

Suggested improvements: Lecture notes may be revised. Field work in pond construction may be included.

List of participants:

Annexure 22

TRAINING COURSE FOR AGRICULTURE BLOCK SUPERVISORS NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE

April 18–20, 1989

List of Participants.

Annexure 23

REPORT ON PRACTICAL TRAINING COURSE ON FISH CULTURE OF KASAKA FISH SCOUTS AT MWEKERA FROM 3RD TO 17TH MARCH 1988

The Fish Scout course of Kasaka was taken to Mwekera for practicals on Fish Culture. The Mwekera training centre was chosen because of good facilities on training as the farm has abundant water and other amenities though few facilities are lucking. The trainees at Kasaka had covered the Fish Culture course in theory and what was not covered was practical.

The trainees arrived on Wednesday the 2nd and the next day a programme started. The introductory part of the farm was done in the afternoon. The programme was drawn to allow any changes. However after the course, the programme was as shown.

As it could be seen, the trainees were required to be in the class for almost an hour or so to revise what ever the topics could be then go in the farm to practice. On the first topic, the trainees were taught to calculate the estimation of water flow and also the measurement units used in fish farming (ARES, HA, ZIBA, LITRES etc.). Then the trainees were taken to measure the water flow on their own on the spillway, furrow and down stream. More exercises were given to the trainees to familiarize with the calculations.

On the next topic, the trainees had to spend much of their time in class with Mr. Maguswi to revise the topics of pond preparation and production of fish seed Being a saturday the afternoon was left free to read. The sunday was still more taken up with Mr. Maguswi on pond management and the afternoon was left free to relax.

Coming to the next topic on soil, after a brief revision in class, the trainees were taken to sample different areas on the soil. This took the whole morning sampling with an auger. However, since the instrument was only one, the trainees could not be divided into groups, hence all of them were required to drill a hole and see what kind of soil. The trainees were divided into three groups in the afternoon to dig a pig each group of 0.80 × 1.50 × 2m to see the soil profile.

Having already revised with Mr. Maguswi on production of fish seed and transportation, on Tueaday, which is the day farmers come to buy fingerlings, was an ideal day for the trainees to see how seining and packing was done. Later the trainees were left to deal with the seining, packing with oxygen and stocking the ponds. The afternoon was left for stocking.

The next topic was on the pond itself. After a brief preview in class, the trainees were devided into three groups. They were instructed to choose an ideal area each group where a pond could be constructed. Here they were expected to test the soil, draw a map of the area, clear the area and mark the ZIBA pond (500m²). This was left for the whole day as instruments were inadequate.

The next day a revision on the syllubus was done with Mr. Boma and any questions relating to aquaculture were discussed. Also a preview of the site choose by each group was done and one place was selected out of the three places to be made into a ZIBA pond. The afternoon was left for viewing a film on integrated fish farming with Mr. Muntemba.

Since a site to build a ZIBA was selected, the next day was left to clear the site - after making adjustments to the measurements required for a ZIBA. The Trainees were instructed to clear the site by slashing, removing the top soils. This was a carry over to the next two days as the area marked was 10 × 50m.

MWEKERA FISH FARM PRACTICAL FISH CULTURE PROGRAMME

1988

On Monday 14th March, was economics in fish farming. Then each person was allocated a pond each to carry the feedings procedure and manuring. The rate of feedings and manurings were given and each person was required to calculate and feed or manure. The feeding times were given as from 14.00 hours to 14.15 hours so that other programmes could be continued.

From then on the programmes were mainly digging the pond and stocking the fish in the farm. At the end of all, an oral exam was conducted to assess what the trainees gathered from the practical.

CONCLUSION

As it could be seen, the time of two weeks was too short to finish the whole programme. The trainees were never spared time to rest as assignments were almost every day given mostly on calculations.

In terms of personnel support from the training wing of Mwekera, little was achieved as the instructors had other personal duties to perform despite incorparating them in the programme. The whole programme was left to be drawn and performed by one person which the trainees also expressed surprise. In this case I would ask the training wing to review the calibre of instructors in Fish Culture to go for refresher courses in fish culture so that they are at par with new ideas.

On instrument, more is needed to cater for the training wing as one auger could not be adequate for the big group.

Annexure 24

FAO/GRZ/NET FISH CULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CLOSING OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR AGRICULTURE EXTENSION OFFICERS CONDUCTED AT CHALIMBANA COLLEGE FROM 7TH TO 10TH NOVEMBER, 1989

TRAINING COURSE FOR AGRICULTURE EXTENSION OFFICERS - LUSAKA RURAL Chalimbana College, 7th to 10th November 1989

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Annexure 25

WORKSHOP ON FISHCULTURE AT SICHILI AGRICULTURAL CAMP 22nd – 25th NOVEMBER; 1989

A request was made by Mrs. Brommeland (Norad) for a fishculture training course at Sichili agricultural camp (Wstern Province). The people there have taken up fish farming as a new venture, 4 ponds are already dug. There is a serious need for knowledge on construction and management of the fish pond said Mrs. Brommeland.

The workshop was held from 22nd – 26th November, 1989. The instructors of the course were Mr. E.D. Boma, Co-Manager and F.G.J. van den Berg (APO) aquaculturist), 14 participants attended the course. The background from the participants differed from cooperative members, school teachers, agricultural extension officers, farmers to a womens participation development officers (see appendix 1)

The programme included the following subjects: introduction, site selection, design and construction, fish pond biology, fish pond management, integrated fish farming, fish seed production and fish farm economics. Followed by a general discussion (see appendix 2) Practicals were given on site selection, construction fish pond biology and management. Special attention was given on the existing fish ponds. At the time the workshop was held the ponds were stocked with O. andersonii from Chilanga.

General discussion

• Several questions on the different subjects were made.

• Problems of security, which also exist in Sichili were discussed.

  The following solutions were proposed.

  • Fencing fish ponds with local material.

  • A watch scheme for cooperative members.

  • Education of the villagers.

• A plan was formulated that the cooperative will make a breeding pond with fingerlings from Chilanga so that there will be no problems of fingerlings supply in the coming years.

• A problem was raised on the predatory behaviour of a certain type of water beetle which seems to be able to catch fish up to 10cm.

• The attendants said that

  The workshop had explained thoroughly the basic knowledge and they now will have the power to continue themselves.

• It was said by Mrs. Brommeland and Mrs. Kazenene the cooperative chairman that they were misguided by the fish scouts of Kaoma fish farm who did not sell them fingerlings. They said they would die because of depth of the fish pond which was to deep (80cm – 120cm). After that they filled the ponds with soil to follow the given instructions (30cm–100cm).

• The need of a follow up was emphasized,

  • because it will show the effect of the workshop

  • It will give backing to the agricultural extesion officers who teach the farmers.

  • For further guidance.

Comments on organization of the course

• The programme was too compact in those parts where no practicals were included.

• As an alternative lecture methode first let the attendants discuss to share the knowledge which is there.

• The lectures were at the right level of the attendants.

• It would be better to give 5–10 minutes time to read though the lecture notes before the lecture starts.

Recommendations

• A follow up will be welcomed for the next year.

• It would be better to match the workshop with the agricultural scheme.

• To contact Kaoma fish farm to standardize the advice.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS WORKSHOP SICHILI

22nd – 26th NOVEMBER, 1989

FAO GRZ/NET FISH CULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TRAINING WORKSHOP AT SICHILI AGRICULTURE CAMP 22nd TO 25th NOVEMBER, 1989

Annexure 26

FAO/GRZ/NET FISH CULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
GCP/ZAM/038/NET

REPORT ON THE SEMINAR HELD AT MWEKERA ON 12TH AND 13TH JUNE, 1990 TO REVIEW THE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT

Objectives of the seminar

The main objectives of the seminar were to review the extension activities undertaken by the project at the 3 centres, identify constraints and discuss possible improvements. Only major issues were discussed in detail, keeping in mind the intention to develop a policy that would lead to uniformity in offering standardised extension services.

Presentations from the 3 centres

The extension services developed at Mwekera, Chilanga and Chipata were presented and discussed.

Observations concerning Extension Programmes

Single farm visits

• one farmer consumes relatively a lot of time

• no feed back from farmers; once-only visits do generally not result in construction of a fish pond.

Selected areas

• Agriculture extension officers can give essential information on the area and farmers.

• Extension activities in a selected area is efficient concerning the time needed for one visit.

• A continuous backing of extension activities by frequent visit is an essential part of the programme.

• Construction methods are quickly undertaken and applied by other farmers.

• Farmers can soon become independant of a breeding station since some of them can supply fingerlings to others.

Training

• Most fish scouts and agricultural extension officers do lack practical experience on site selection.

• Many fish scouts and agricultural extension officers may not have adequate experience in site selection methodology.

• Information supplied through the extension report by a fish scout shows his/her qualifications and specific needs for further training.

• Most extension officers do not carry with them (during visits) technical background information, note books, etc.

Observations concerning technical issues

Water source

• Quite a few farmers intend to start farming using tap water.
• Quite a few farmers intend to start fish farming using boreholes.
• Quite a few farmers using boreholes have stopped fish farming due to high costs. Most of these farmers complain about seepage. To solve the seepage problem, some of them have constructed concrete ponds.

Water supply

• Farmers tend to exaggerate the expected water supply during dry season.

• It is observed that a water supply of 1 l/sec for a 500m² pond (as is stated in the manual for the fish culture course for agricultural extension officers) is not enough to overcome initial seepage in a new pond.

Seepage

• is a major problem for beginners especially in cases where furrows are used with a water supply of 4 to 6 liters/sec. For new ponds initial seepage rates have been found to be 10 – 20cm per day. Most cases of seepage found after pond construction are related to bad compacting.

Size

• A standardised size of a fish pond is important for hatching and extension purposes. For emergent farmers a minimum size of 500m² for a fish pond is advocated. Most small scale farmers feel that digging a 500m² pond is a lot of work. It is believed that it takes quite some time for a small scale farmer before he takes the decision to dig the pond. One of the reasons is that the farmer thinks he cannot construct the pond alone or with his own family. He needs labour assistance which will cost money. Also, it will take time to organize people, tools and the necessary money for construction. Some farmers have indicated that they prefer to start with a small pond as a trial to see how things work out and to get the necessary practical experience.

Ducks

Muscovy ducks are common in the rural areas and if put in ponds they may be active in the water.

General observations

• There is no need to create interest because most farmers are highly motivated to start fish farming.

• Almost all farmers who started fish farming without proper advice make basic mistakes.

• Potential sites for fish farming often compete with sites suitable for vegetable farming.

• Fish farming appears to be “man's business”. In the rural areas most of the fish ponds are controlled by the husband and the benefits are handled by him.

• From discussions with farmers' wives it has become clear that they are eager to be involved in the programmes right from the beginning. In most cases the pond may become a family affair and will benefit the whole family.

Recommendations

Concerning Extension Programmes

Single farm visits

• Extension activities concerning single farmers has to be changed in such a way that these farmers can be monitored regularly.

Selected areas

• Involvement of agriculture extension officers is important for efficient and proper surveys in selected areas.

• A fish scout should be based in a selected area for continuous backing of the extension activities in the area.

Training

• Fish scouts need proper practical training in the field on site selection before they assist farmers on their own.

• Every fish scout should keep his/her own file with copies of official extension reports.

• A fish scout should have access to extension reports made by senior staff in order to learn how to write reports properly and to understand the conclusions and advice given.

• A trained fish scout should carry an extension kit which may include field note book, level, tape, string, technical background information (both for him/her use and for the farmers).

Technical issues

• Tap water as a source may be discouraged (Tap water may be costly and contain chlorine).

• A proper cost/profit analysis has to be made before a farmer is given advice on the use of a borehole for fish farming.

• In principle, fish farming using natural water sources has to be promoted because it is the ideal way to develop fish farming.

• Use of boreholes as a water source for fish ponds should be discouraged, whereever applicable. The farmers may be educated on the importance of clay trenches and well-compacted dykes.

• Promotion of muscovy duck husbandry by small-scale farmers has to be considered. Muscovy ducks produce their own off springs while Peking ducks do not. For Peking ducks, farmers may be dependant on supply from breeding stations and also transport.

• For small-scale farmers pond of 200–400m² size might be suitable for the following reasons:

  • make easier decisions

  • can dig the pond alone or with his family

  • less time involved in construction

  • easier to overcome initial seepage

  • less feed and manure necessary for optimum production

  • Gives necessary experience for constructing a second bigger pond and the first pond can be kept as a breeding or holding pond.

  • More flexibly when a farm has 2 ponds instead of one.

General issues

• On sites suitable for fish farming as well as vegetable cultivation, comparative studies may be made to find out which of the two ventures is more profitable. Whenever possible combined operations would be advisable.

• A fish pond should benefit the whole family and therefore farmers' wives may be involved in extension activities.

• Strategies need to be developed to involve more women in fish farming operations.

• The possibility of producing a ‘Fish Farming Bulletin’ may be looked into. As a preliminary exercise, the first set of materials for a bulletin may be sent to Chilanga by 15th September, 1990. (Note: contributions have not been received so far!).

• More booklets, posters, slides etc for use at Agriculture shows may be prepared.

• All fish culture stations should organize fish farmers' day, at least once a year.

• More hand books on fish farming may be produced.

• More emphasis should be given for fish farming coverage in “Fisheries Corner” Radio Programmes.

• Further encouragement may be given for development of fish production units in schools.

• A standardised format for extension visit report need to be prepared.

• Farmers should be encouraged to grow their own fish seed by developing breeding ponds.

Annexure 27

Role of Tilapia in Integrated Farming Systems in Zambia

by

V. Gopalakrishnan
Chief Technical Adviser
FAO Fish Culture Development Project
P.O. Box 350 034, Chilanga, Zambia

ABSTRACT

The potential for development of aquaculture as an industry in Zambia has been found to be appreciable because of the favourable climate, soil, water supply, availability of land and the spontaneous interest generated in the private sector. The old system of cultivating several species of tilapia together in the same pond has been changed to monospecies culture and Oreochromis andersonii has been shown to yield good growth and production rates. A broodstock (Kafue strain) of the species was introduced in the Chilanga Fish Farm and separate ponds for the production of fry, fingerlings and market-size fish have been maintained.

Among the various systems of aquaculture tried during the past three years in three farms established by the project in different regions of the country, integrated fish farming using fish-cum-pig and fish-cum-duck combinations has given very good production results. Modest averages worked out for the fish-cum-pig system are between 4 and 6 t/ha/yr and for the fish-cum-Peking duck system between 3.5 and 4.5 t/ha/yr. The paper describes details of the integrated farming technology with special reference to the role of O. andersonii, pond management practices and related economical considerations.

INTRODUCTION

The importance of aquaculture development as a component of integrated rural development in the Republic of Zambia has only been fully recognized in recent years (Gopalakrishnan, 1986a). Based on the successful results obtained by the FAO/UNDP Pilot Fish Culture Development Project in Zambia, it has been established that when fish farming is integrated with other types of agricultural production, including animal husbandry, the benefits accruing to the rural community as a result of full utilization of land and water resources, bi-products and residues could be significant and attractive (Gopalakrishnan, 1986b). The major gains anticipated for the community from development of integrated fish farming are food self-sufficiency for the family, increased income from the fish produced, diversification of income sources, availability of comparatively less expensive stock feed and manure in the rural sector itself and increased agricultural production by using pond humus as fertilizer. Integrated fish farming can be practised in different parts of the country as a primary occupation supplemented by other crops, a secondary undertaking or a side line activity, depending on the resources available. The soil, water and other environmental conditions prevalent in Zambia have been found to be good for the development of aquaculture as an industry.

For rational and scientific development of integrated fish farming in Zambia, the right species of fish had to be chosen. All evidence available indicated that members of the tilapia group should be the first priority, taking into consideration their high culture potential in Southern Africa and consumer preference. Field trials conducted during 1980–82 clearly indicated that Oreochromis andersonii was the best candidate for the pilot scale investigations planned prior to the development of integrated fish farming as an industry. Compared to other local tilapia, the growth potential of this species had been demonstrated to be much better under semi-intensive culture conditions and its resistence to handling and cold temperatures had been shown to be high. Pending further research on the establishment of polyculture systems in the country, a monoculture production system based on O. andersonii was demonstrated to be appropriate for economically viable fish farming. Among the various systems of aquaculture tried during the past three years in three pilot fish farms in different areas of the country, integrated fish farming using tilapia-cum-pig and tilapia-cum-duck combinations have given very good results.

Tilapia is well represented in Zambia by Tilapia sparrmanii and T. rendalli. The more common species in the Oreochromis group cultivated in Zambia are Oreochromis andersonii, O. macrochir and O. mossambicus.

Of these, O. andersonii (Three-spotted bream; local name ‘njinji’ (Fig. 1) occurs naturally in the lagoons of the Upper Zambezi and Kafue river systems of Zambia. The male of the species is bigger than the female and develops specific maroon red coloration on the top of the head during breeding season. The breeding habits of the species observed in different areas of the country are similar to typical characteristics of the group. From the experimental trials conducted in Chilanga it has been observed that spawning of the species starts in October and ends by April/May (Cayron-Thomas, 1985).

Although earlier reports describe O. andersonii as a bottom feeder, observations made in Chilanga indicate that the species feeds at all levels. In trials using supplementary feeding and integrated farming systems, this species showed much better growth and survival rates than other tilapias. The average number of fry/fingerlings obtained per female under pond culture conditions has so far reached a maximum of 634. Under these circumstance the old system of cultivating several species of tialapia together in the same pond was changed to mono-species culture of O. andersonii.

O. ANDERSONII IN INTEGRATED FISH FARMING SYSTEMS

Breeding of O. andersonii in integrated systems: The O. andersonii fingerlings used for integrated farming were obtained from a natural stock introduced into the Chilanga fish farm from the Chanyanya lagoon in the Kafue River System. The brood fish were originally stocked at a density of 3,000/ha in two ratios: either 4 or 5 females to 1 male. However, the ratio has now been standardised to 5 females to 1 male (Cayron-Thomas, 1986). During the first set of trials, 20% of the brood stock were lost. This loss was reduced to less than 10% during subsequent years by rigorous management measures, especially prevention of predation by otters. It has been shown also that the loss of brood stock can be minimised by draining the pond during mid-season followed by selection and re-stocking. A summary of the fry/fingerling production results obtained is given in Table 1.

Simultaneously with the breeding trials, a system of maintaining nursery, rearing and production ponds was developed. The breeding system in earthern ponds has been developed as an integrated farming exercise with ‘Peking’ ducks. In the duck breeding activities, which were undertaken simultaneously in the same pond, 190 birds (150 females and 40 males) were generally used. The females were changed every two years and the males every year. They were fed with layers' mash and maize (7:3) at 200g/duck/day.

Integrated fish farming - O. andersonii and pigs: Pig weaners of the cross breed between Landrace and Large White were purchased from commercial farms. The weight of the weaners ranged between 22 and 28 kg. Pigsties built on stilts over water and on the dykes were used for the trials (Fig. 2) with manure brushed or washed into the pond. At the end of each growing cycle, the pigs were sold as baconers or heavy hogs. Commercial pig feed available locally was used and was generally given dry in feeding troughs fixed to the floor of the pigsty, at the following rates:

The average feed: pig conversion ratio obtained was 4.4:1. A summary of O. andersonii production rates obtained from the different trials made during 1982–1986 are presented in Table 2. These observations indicate that under normal conditions and with adoption of proper management practices, O. andersonii production rates can average between 4 and 6 t/ha/yr in the integrated farming system with pigs. It was determined that the ideal number of pigs to be grown is between 80 and 100/ha, except during the cold season when it would be advisable to reduce the manuring rate, and hence the pigs to the minimum level.

Integrated fish farming- O. andersonii and ducks: Preliminary trials of integrated fish farming with ducks were conducted using T. rendalli and the locally available ‘Muscovy’ ducks. The production results were not satisfactory, caused by a combination of factors. These trials indicated that ‘Muscovy’ ducks are not suitable for semi-intensive integrated fish farming as they do not stay in the water for long enough periods, thus producing insufficient manuring. Therefore, 225 day-old Peking ducklings were procured from Hungary and the progeny derived from them have been fully acclimatised to local conditions. The duck breeding programme has yielded successful results and approximately 20,000 ducklings have been produced so far.

The ducklings are transferred to fish ponds when three weeks old and stocked at 300–500 per ha, according to availability, the higher density having been found to produce physical maximum of tilapia.

All further trials were conducted using Peking ducks and O. andersonii. Two types of duck houses were tried out successfully. In the first system, the houses were built on stilts above the water surface with the floor made of wire mesh (Fig. 3), and the duck droppings falling in the water continuously. In the second system, the house was built either on dykes or nearby land area. The manure accumulated in the shed during the night was either washed down into the ponds or collected and transported according to requirements in other ponds.

When between three to five weeks old, the ducks were generally fed with a 1:1 mixture of broiler finisher and whole maize at 0.20 kg/duck/day. When the ducks were six to nine weeks old, this was increased to 0.25 kg/duck/day. The results obtained so far indicate that in integrated systems with O. andersonii and Peking ducks, fish production rates between 3.5 and 4.5 t/ha/yr can be obtained with proper management practices(Table 3).

ECONOMICS OF INTEGRATED FARMING USING O. ANDERSONII

A study of the economics of farming of tilapia in Zambia indicates that integrated farming with O. andersonii and pigs or Peking ducks could be an attactive financial proposal (L'Heureux, 1985; Gopalakrishnan, 1986a). The potential rates of return for a standard 5 ha fish farm were calculated and are presented in Table 4. These estimates were based on rather high construction costs quoted by an engineering company, mainly because other reasonable estimates were not available at that time. Further observations, however, have shown that pond construction costs will be much lower than those used in the computations. Profit and loss accounts based on current costs have been estimated as shown in Table 5.

CONCLUSIONS

The scope and potential for development of integrated fish farming in different regions of the world have been demonstrated through several studies (Pullin and Shehadeh, 1980: Hopkins and Cruz, 1982). It is also known that even empirical methods of cultivating fish along with other animals have been successfully practised for many years (FAO, 1983). However, it is only in recent years that such systems have been considered for adaptation in the African region. Members of the tilapia group are certainly important candidates for active consideration in this respect and the investigations being conducted in Zambia have demonstrated the technical and economic feasibility of integrated fish farming using O. andersonii. While it is necessary to develop the techniques further in order to develop new systems and new species, especially polyculture, the observations and applications made so far are suitable for adoption in different parts of Zambia. Considerable interest, especially from the private sector, has been generated in this country for development of fish farming. It is therefore necessary to develop standardised management plans for ensuring regular supply of high quality tilapia seed and for the implementation of integrated fish farming systems suitable for different areas of the country and perhaps even in different countries of the subregion.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The investigations presented in this paper were carried out during the tenure of the FAO/UNDP Pilot Project for Development of Fish Farming in Zambia and the author wishes to express his gratitude to officials of FAO and UNDP as well as to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for all help, encouragement and assistance received.

REFERENCES

Cayron-Thomas, E., 1985. Breeding biology of Tilapia. FAO/TCP Project, (Mimeo.).

Cayron-Thomas, E., 1986. Development of the Pilot Fish Seed Production and Distribution Centre, Chilanga. FAO/TCP Project Field Document 2, FI:TCP/ZAM/4405(A). (Mimeo.)

FAO, 1983. Freshwater aquaculture development in China. Report of the FAO/UNDP study tour organized for French-speaking African countries. 22 April – 20 May 1980. FAO Fish, Tech, Pap., (215): 125p.

Gopalakrishnan, V., 1986a. Fish Culture Development in Zambia, Report prepared for the Republic of Zambia, FAO/UNDP. (Mimeo.).

Gopalakrishnan, V., 1986b. Aquaculture in Zambia. The Chilanga Experience, Workshop on “The Development of Village Level and Commercial Aquaculture in SADCC Region”, Kariba, Zimbabwe.

Hopkins, K.D. and E.M. Cruz., 1982. The ICLARM-CLSU integrated animal fish farming project: final report, ICLARM Technical Reports (5) 96p.

L'Heureux, R., 1985. Economic feasibility of fish-culture in Zambia, FAO Report - TCP/ZAM/4405(A).

Pullin, R.S.V. and Z.H. Shehadeh (Editors) 1980. Integrated agriculture-aquaculture farming systems. ICLARM Conference Proceedings. (4), 258p.

Table 1

Production of O. andersonii Seed in Integrated Farming Systems of the Chilanga Experimental Fish Farm

Table 2

O. andersonii Production Trials (1982–1986) in Integrated System with Pigs

* Results vitiated by poaching/drought
¹ Based on final wt. less stocked wt.
² Based on gross wt. of fish harvested. Harvest rate is taken into consideration by farmers for determining economic indicators.

Table 3

O. andersonii Production Trials in Integrated System with ducks

* Results vitiated due to poaching/drought
¹ Based on final wt. less stocked wt.
² Based on gross wt. of fish harvested.

Table 4

Investment costs and rates of return of Integrated Fish Farming in 5 ha farm
(Costs in Kwacha)

Table 5

Profit and Loss Statement of Integrated Fish Farming
(based on currently operating 5 ha farm)

Fish-cum-pig

Fish-cum-duck

* Note: Selling price of fish is at Government rate. Commercial rate is 50% more at farm gates.

Fig. 1. Oreochromis andersonii

Fig. 2. Integrated fish farming system with pigsty built on stilts. O. andersonii production rate reached 9.8 t/ha/yr in this pond.

Fig. 3. Duck house built over water in integrated fish-cum-duck culture system

Annexure 28

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA
Multinational Programming and Operational Centre (ECA/MULPOC) for Eastern and Southern African States. 1–4 March 1989. Harare, Zimbabwe.
ECA/MULPOC Eleventh Meeting of the Committee of Officials

Discussion notes on the ECA/MULPOC project proposal for Fish Farming Development in the rural sector.

The project proposal, while generally sound, was considered to be rather ambitious, especially as seen in the context of the other proposals then being made by FAO for African regional activities in aquaculture, thus limiting the possibilities of support from most donors. FAO headquarters therefore recommended to the JAFR that the proposal be presented to the EEC for funding. This required, however, that the proposal be submitted by each participating country through its own national focal point. While it would be alright to make further efforts to get funding to establish a subregional network of research and training centres in the MULPOC countries, in our view it would be more profitable to supplement ongoing research, training, demonstration and similar activities with a financial umbrella under which individual countries would be able to more effectively implement their own programmes to follow-up on the regional ones.

ALCOM ( Aquaculture for local community development programme) has already identified several different types of pilot-scale activities which they have or will be carrying out in the region. ALCOM is also sufficiently flexible in its mandate to collaborate in a variety of ways with projects funded from other sources.

ALCOM and the UNDP regional projects could assist in implementing national aquaculture projects funded by bilateral donors, with possible savings in management costs. The pipeline regional project “Integrated Approach to Aquaculture Development in Africa” (FAO/UNDP) is expected to meet the needs identified by the participating countries, through regional cooperation, and related mainly to; (a) the training of aquaculturists at all levels; (b) applied research in aquaculture; (c) improved fingerling production; (d) analyses of the aquaculture sector, planning and preparation of pre-investment studies and mid-term development programmes in selected countries; (e) improved pond and fish farm management systems; (f) socio-economic surveys in rural aquaculture and analysis of data assembled; (g) enhanced availability of appropriate information and documentation.

The implementation of the strategy will be through:

1. The organization and implementation of regional training courses for senior aquaculturists.

2. The organization and implementation of short-term specialized international training courses for high and medium level staff.

3. The organization and implementation of short-term regional training courses for instructors to train station or farm managers and extension supervisors.

4. The establishment of a regional network on applied research in small-scale rural fish farming in Africa, using existing facilities.

5. Direct assistance to some selected countries in the elaboration of their short-term and mid-term aquaculture development programmes.

6. Socio-economic surveys and analysis of data.

7. Establishment within the project of an information and documentation unit for preparation of technical documents and manuals, editing, translation (English-French and French-English) of reports and research results, as required.

8. The organization on national and regional workshops on specialized aquaculture topics.

The regional FAO/UNDP project will build upon the existing framework of other FAO/UNDP national projects within the region and particularly with the aquaculture projects in the participarting countries. The regional project will also cooperate with the two regional FAO/UNDP projects “Planning and Policy Formulation for the Fisheries of West Africa” and “Inland Fisheries Planning, Development and Management in Eastern/Central/Southern Africa”. Cooperation and Coordination will also be established with INFOPECHE, WHO, WORLD BANK, and SPAAR.

This regional project is proposed as a long-term (10 years) programme in regional cooperation for aquaculture development, to be implemented in three phases: Phase I: implementation of the project in an initial eleven participating countries; Phase II: expansion of the activities in other participating countries and Phase III: consolidation of these actions and creation of a permanent regional network.

The “Integrated Approach to Aquaculture Development” combines a number of activities at the different levels of the aquaculture sector in an effort to enhance investment, production, trained manpower, research and development, and to make administrations aware of its merits and potential.

Presented by V. Gopalakrishnan, FAO.

ECA/MULPOC/Lusaka/XI/20

Rural Aquaculture Development and Technology Transfer in Eastern and Souther Africa (Agenda item 5.I(g))

i The representative of FAO indicated that FAO Headquarters had recommended that the proposal be presented to the EEC for funding. This required, however, that the proposal be submitted by each participating country through its own national focal point.

ii Since the funding of the project had not yet been obtained, it appeared necessary to reconsider the ECA/MULPOC Project Proposal in the light of new regional aquaculture project viz: FAO/SIDA Project on

“aquaculture for Local Community Development Programme”, which had already identified several different types of pilot-scale activities which they had or would be carrying out in the region and two FAO/UNDP Pipeline Regional Projects on “Integrated Approach to Aquaculture Development in Africa” and “Inland Fisheries Planning, Development and Management in Eastern/Central/Southern Africa”.

iii. The meeting recommended that ECA/MULPOC should hold discussions with FAO headquarters and develop a programme for establishing a financial umbrella to cover aquaculture development plans of MULPOC countries and also take advantage of the national programmes which had already been implemented in member States.