Appendix 1
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Appendix 2

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 5TH STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING OF ALCOM -- SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE E. Y. SAMBO, M.P., MINISTER OF FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

The Chairman of ALCOM, Mr. Ngwenya
Hon. W. Binali, M.P., Minister of Labour
The District Chairman, Malawi Congress Party, Mangochi, Mr. Musa
The District Chairperson, Leaque of Malawi Women, Mangochi, Mai Patuma Ali
The District Chairman, League of Malawi Youth, Mangochi
The Director of Operations, Fisheries Department, FAO
The FAO Representative
The Programme Director (ALCOM)
The Regional Administrator (South)
Members of Parliament   -   Mr. Bakali (West)
                                         -   Mr. Matengula (Central)
The District Commissioner, Mangochi, Mr. Mapata
The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources

Invited Guests
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. First and foremost I would like to thank His Excellency the Life President, Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda, for bestowing on me this privilege to come and open this seminar. It is indeed a great honour for me to be with you here this morning.

2. Secondly, I wish to welcome our brothers and sisters from the SADCC Region, and those from overseas who have come to participate in this seminar in various capacities. In particular, let me welcome Dr. Kato, Director of Operations (Fisheries Dept) at the FAO Headquarters in Rome. We know how busy you are, and it is a sign of the importance of this meeting that it has been possible for you to come over. You are all most welcome to Malawi.

3. Mr. Chairman, I am informed that Aquaculture for Local Community Development Programme (ALCOM) came to the Region in 1987 and, since that time ALCOM has established a number of programmes in assisting the region in developing suitable technologies appropriate to rural communities. I am informed that initial programmes started in Zambia, and from the experience gained there, more programmes have been extended to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Lesotho and one is to start soon in Malawi.

4. ALCOM has formulated a series of research projects aimed at testing how applicable aquaculture techniques and concepts are to existing farming systems in the Region with particular focus on the needs of the small-scale rural farmer. Mr. Chairman, such studies, I am informed, have been going on for five years and the pilot programmes are paving the way for the development and management of aquaculture of relevance to conditions prevailing in the Africa Region.

5. Let me state here, Mr. Chairman that the Malawi Government views the activities of ALCOM and its objectives with great interest. In Malawi, fish plays a very important role in the diet of the people. Over 80,000 tonnes of fish are landed from our natural fishing waters - Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe, Lake Chilwa, Lake Chiuta, the Shire River and various water systems. All these constitute an average consumption of about 10kg per capita, contributing about 70% of the animal protein of the diet.

6. Mr. Chairman, Aquaculture development in the Africa Region is still in its infancy. Fish farming activities till now have been either at subsistence level or pilot stages. Past attempts to rationalise aquaculture developmental programmes have mostly been in the nature of exploratory programmes and feasibility studies. In general, the present contribution of aquaculture production in most countries of Africa is very limited. This is so despite the fact that surveys have shown that aquaculture in the Region is technically and economically viable because of the favourable climate, soil conditions and availability of water supply. However, in spite of this potential the contribution of aquaculture to present production in Africa is only two percent. This can be increased.

7. In the light of our increasing populations, requiring more food, such a situation should not be allowed to continue. All regional resources must therefore be mobilised in order to overcome obstacles which are slowing down aquaculture development in Africa.

8. Mr. Chairman, let me share with you and those attending this auspicious occasion some problems which are slowing down aquaculture development. These are:

   1. inadequate infrastructure and research facilities;
   2. lack of trained personnel;
   3. communication gaps between research scientists and farmers;
   4. lack of strong research base and institutional support for aquaculture and concentration on biological factors of development with insufficient attention to economic, social and cultural factors.
   
   

9. This is by no means a complete list of problems, but ALCOM and the region have joined together to strive to identify possible solutions to overcome these constraints. I wish to encourage such co-operation where government departments collaborate with an international organisation in programmes of mutual interest.

   1. One such cooperation resulted several years ago in the establishment of a Master's programme in Aquaculture at the University of Malawi in conjunction with the International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM). Already personnel from this programme are contributing towards growth of Aquaculture in Malawi.

10. The focus of ALCOM work on development of our aquaculture in rural settings is commendable. In Malawi about 90% of the population live in rural areas as is the case in most African countries.

    It is therefore every government's wish to strengthen rural economies in order to promote and increase self sufficiency in food production. Some of the available land is marginal and therefore unsuitable for intensive crop production. Some of this land has plenty of water which can thus be utilised for aquaculture. This approach is in line with the policy of the Malawi Government that economic activities which rapidly transform the rural economies for the better should receive priority. The Malawi Government therefore supports the research and development of aquaculture and fisheries technologies for rural populations.

11. Mr. Chairman, once again, I wish to thank His Excellency the Life President, Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda, for creating a climate of peace and tranquillity in this country, without which cooperation with international organisations as we are witnessing today could otherwise have not been possible.

    Mr. Chairman I would like in a special way to thank the Swedish Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for their support to ALCOM and to this country in general and the fisheries sector in particular. Without their assistance, these collaborative programmes could not have been possible. This is very commendable and we are indeed grateful for the technical and financial support they are rendering to Malawi and the rest of the Region.

With these few remarks, I now declare this meeting open.

Thank you.

Appendix 3
AGENDA

5th Steering Committee Meeting
11–14 Feb. 1991, Mangochi, Malawi

SC/1 (rev. 1)

Appendix 4
PROGRESS REPORT 1991
AND
WORK PLAN 1992

by

A. Andreasson

Programme Director

Harare, January 1992

1. SUMMARY -- PROGRESS REPORT 1991

1991, the first year of ALCOM's implementation phase saw a steady strengthening of ALCOM staff. Aquaculture and farming systems projects were initiated; tangible results are expected within two to three years. The investigation phase of small water body projects was completed and interventions for improved management and production are imminent. Progress was made in extension and training; one project (Eastern Province, Zambia) was taken up by the Department of Fisheries for implementation. Training courses in Mozambique for medium level technicians were followed in 1991 with training of farmers. A training course for medium level technicians in basic aquaculture was held in Angola. Environmental issues were addressed towards the end of the year through desk studies. Gender activities were initiated with funding from the FAO project GCP/RAF/273/JPN, “Enhancement of the role of Women in Inland Fisheries/Aquaculture Development” as a follow up of the workshop held in December 1990. Nutrition activities continued, with funding from the FAO project “Strengthening of the Role of Fish and Fisheries in Alleviation of Malnutrition” (GCP/INT/467/NOR)

Development support activities generated project proposals for UNDP funding in Botswana and Mozambique.

The Information Service was launched with a quarterly newsletter, extension pamphlets and technical reports.

The 4th Steering Committee Meeting was held in Swaziland with participation from 9 SADCC countries (GCP/INT/436/SWE/REP/8).

A working Group Meeting with the Chairman of the Steering Committee, SADCC Fisheries Coordinating Unit and ALCOM was held in December 1991 for the preparation of the 5th Steering Committee Meeting and the Programme Management Plan for 1992.

Delays occurred in the implementation of the work plan (endorsed by the 4th Steering Committee, published in GCP/INT/436/SWE/REP 8). The delays were due mainly to slow recruitment of expert staff.

A request was submitted by FAO HQ to Sweden for funding of the remainder of the present phase. Belgium responded positively to a request from FAO HQ for funding of the small water body component. The plan of Operation was signed by SADCC. A request was submitted by FAO HQ to the Government of Netherlands for funding of the aquaculture and farming systems component.

Aquaculture and Farming Systems

The pilot project in Luapula Province, Zambia (Aquaculture and integrated rural development, AIR/LPZ) was started end of 1988. Aim: to test and demonstrate improved methods for pond management and integrate the findings into rural development projects in the province. The project did not make acceptable progress and virtually stopped early 1991. It was revitalized during the second half of 1991 with less ambitious aims. Good progress was made in setting into motion farmer managed trials. They related to the use of Crotelaria for feeding fish, stocking densities, stocking with all-male fish, and fish-cum-duck culture. On-station trials were initiated to determine the quality of fingerlings used by farmers.

The implementation of the pilot project in Swaziland (Rehabilitation of homestead ponds, FAS/SWA) was delayed consequent to the findings of a socio-economic survey that revealed limited market opportunities and scarce on-farm inputs. The findings necessitated a revision of the project. The project, which is fully implemented by the project Team appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (with technical support from ALCOM), was initiated in December with four farmer-managed trials on polyculture of tilapia and clarias.

Activities proposed in 1989 for intermittent harvesting (HAS) had not been initiated. During the year a computer simulation model was prepared. Sites (at Chilanga Fish Farm, Zambia) were set up for study of biological effects of intermittent harvesting for trials to be started in 1992.

A pilot project on Carp for pond culture and small water bodies was identified for Mozambique (CAR/MOZ) and three species of Chinese carp were imported. The carp will be held in quarantine until spawning time in 1993–94.

Utilization of Small Water Bodies

Six pilot projects were under way in 1991; one each in Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho and Malawi, and two in Zimbabwe. The implementation of a third project in Zimbabwe was postponed until 1993. The projects relate to fisheries assessment, monitoring of fisheries, mobilization of local communities for exploitation of fisheries, economic feasibility, and management and enhancement interventions.

In Botswana (SWB/BOT), test fishing was carried out on eight reservoirs, and management discussions initiated with one community through a Rapid Rural Appraisal exercise.

Lack of fishing and fish eating traditions necessitate a cautious approach to involving communities. The test fishing shows well established stocks worthy of exploitation. Tests with liftnets, longlines and seines were started during the year.

In Lesotho (SWB/LES), base-line data were obtained from five reservoirs through test fishing. Monitoring of fishing began on one larger reservoir. Findings from the test fishing indicate well established stocks of both indigenous and introduced species. Results from the monitoring and from an earlier socio-economic survey induced a switch in project strategy, and a focus on fishing operations by small entrepreneurs.

In Zambia (SWB/ZAM) test fishing data for a full year were obtained for one reservoir, and eight other reservoirs were fished once each during the year. A creel survey was initiated on two reservoirs to determine fishing effort and production. Socio-economic descriptions were prepared for communities around four reservoirs and Rapid Rural Appraisals carried out in two communities. The results show well established stocks in the reservoirs, and a diversified and intensive fishery with higher yields than expected. The legal and organizational aspects of the utilization of reservoirs are important issues from the standpoint of intervention. Discussions to transfer the control over fisheries to local Chiefs were initiated in Chipata District.

In Malawi, a project was prepared for implementation by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with ALCOM and ICLARM/GTZ Africa Aquaculture Project (SWB/MLW). Aim: to test methods and data analysis for fish stock assessment in small reservoirs.

Three projects prepared in Zimbabwe (SWB/ZIM) started with test fishing and Rapid Rural Appraisals. Draft reports were prepared on RRA, besides Training Notes to be used for further training in the techniques. Implementation of two of the projects will start in 1992. They will seek to demonstrate a rapid assessment method for community based reservoir fisheries management (SWB/ZIM 1) and increased production through enhancement interventions (manuring, cage culture etc, SWB/ZIM 2). The third project on community development through the use of reservoirs has been deferred to 1993.

Environmental aspects of aquaculture

This target area was addressed towards the end of the year through desk studies on water resources management, water-borne human diseases and issues related to bio-diversity.

Extension/training methods

General activities under this target area included

• Preparation of a study tour for members of the Steering Committee to the Department of Fisheries and ICLARM/GTZ Africa Aquaculture Project in Domasi, Malawi.

• Assistance to the Belgium Administration for Development Cooperation to identify candidates for scholarships. Four Government Officers from the region underwent training in aquaculture in Belgium, September–December 1991.

Training is provided by national institutions and fellowships are offered by several funding agencies. Efforts were made during the year to establish collaboration with the University of Kuopio and the SADCC Regional Fisheries Training Programme. ALCOM training activities should complement those offered by other agencies.

Two training courses for 10 medium-level technicians were held in Mozambique in 1990. During 1991, one of the trainees organized and implemented a course for 12 farmers in Sussundenga District. This resulted in eight new ponds constructed and stocked with fingerlings. Six old ponds were rehabilitated. The course was held by the Department of Aquaculture, with funding from ALCOM.

One six-week training course in basic aquaculture techniques was held for 10 medium-level technicians in Angola, with consultants from Department of Aquaculture in Mozambique as course organizers and lecturers.

The extension project (Field testing of aquaculture in rural development, FAR/EPZ) in Eastern Province of Zambia was continued during the year by the Department of Fisheries at the provincial level, using methods, approaches and materials developed and tested by the project. Three extension pamphlets (“How to construct your fish pond; “How to feed your fish”; How to take care of your pond”) were distributed. At the end of the year approximately 70 farmers had taken up fish farming.

Gender in aquaculture development

The workshop on gender issues in fisheries and aquaculture development held in December 1990 (report GCP/INT/436/SWE/REP/7) resulted in Japan allocating funds for a FAO project “Enhancement of the role of women in inland fisheries/aquaculture development”. The project is mainly implemented through ALCOM. It aims at providing guidelines for the integration of gender issues into development activities. Activities during 1991 included collection of gender-specific data for planning of projects and preparations of a regional workshop.

Aquaculture and human nutrition

Issues concerning aquaculture and human nutrition were identified by the Technical Consultation on Aquaculture and Human Nutrition held in 1989 (report GCP/INT/436/SWE/REP/6). In 1990 the global FAO project GCP/INT/467/NOR, “Strengthening of the role of fish and fisheries in alleviating undernutrition” allocated funds through ALCOM for two studies in Luapula Province, Zambia (aquaculture and household food security and a comparative study on household food security in agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture communities) and for nutrition interventions.

The planned activities also included support to a national coordinating committee on aquaculture and human nutrition. Field work for the studies was finalized and extension workers and village leaders were trained. Integration of nutrition concerns into the ALCOM-supported pilot project in Luapula Province was not achieved. Further analysis and interpretation of data are required.

Development Support

The aim is to bridge the gaps between research, pilot projects and national and regional development initiatives. Activities include identification of investment opportunities, project preparation, assistance in implementation, and training. ALCOM assisted with formulation missions in Botswana and Mozambique that led to proposals for aquaculture projects for UNDP-funding. The project in Botswana is scheduled for implementation from 1994. The target area was strengthened with entry on duty by the Senior Planning Officer in September 1991.

Information Service

The Information Officer took up his post in May 1991. The aims of the Information Service are to facilitate exchange of information between participating countries, ease access to information from outside the region and disseminate information about ALCOM-supported activities. During the year, the ALCOM News was established as a quarterly newsletter. The backlog in dissemination of technical reports was partly overcome.

2. SUMMARY - WORK PLAN 1992

The Work Plan requires a budget of US$1.4 million during 1992, based on estimated contributions from Sweden (US$900 000), Belgium for the small water body component (US$420 000), Japan (GCP/RAF/273/JPN) for gender activities (US$80 000), and Norway (GCP/INT/467/NOR) for nutrition activities (US$30 000). Adjustments of the work plan will be needed when the actual funding level is known.

Staff

The Senior Socio-economist and the Fisheries Officer are expected to take up their posts during the first half of 1992.

Meetings/workshops/technical consultations

Meetings will be held with the Working Group on the Future of ALCOM and the Management Working Group.

A technical consultation on the utilization of small water bodies will be held in Harare (provided Government approval) in September 1992 with participants and resource persons from within and outside the region.

A technical consultation/workshop on the use of indigenous species and the introduction of exotic species for aquaculture, is proposed for the first half of 1993. Preparations will be intiated during the year.

An expert consultation will be held on gender issues (if possible in collaboration with SADCC).

Preparations will be started for the 6th Steering Committee Meeting proposed to be held in January/February 1993.

Aquaculture and farming systems

The pilot project in Luapula Province, Zambia, (AIR/LPZ) will be reviewed and revised early 1992. A work plan will be elaborated for three years, focusing on the feasibility and methodology of improved pond management. A national workshop will be held in July 1992.

In Swaziland (FAS/SWA) farmer-managed trials with polyculture of tilapia and clarias and monoculture of carp will be expanded. Training will be provided for extension workers, and extension material will be prepared and tested.

Intermittent harvesting (HAS) trials will be initiated at the Chilanga Fish Farm in Zambia in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries. Protocols will be prepared in Janaury and trials started in February. During the second half of 1992, farmer-managed trials are scheduled to start in Luapula Province of Zambia.

The carp project in Mozambique (FAS/MOZ) will be limited during the year to keeping the fingerlings, preparing hatcheries and initial training of Government staff in hatchery techniques. During the year the project document will be elaborated.

Utilization of small water bodies

The focus in the seven projects (except for SWB/MLW and SWB/ZIM 1) will be on interventions for improved management and production. Guidelines for rapid fisheries assessment will be prepared for discussion at the technical consultation.

In Botswana (SWB/BOT), tests with fishing gear will continue for pilot introduction on two reservoirs. An inventory of reservoirs in south eastern Botswana will be finalized, and reservoirs with potential for exploitation will be identified. Staff of the Fisheries Unit will be trained. Fish-eating will be promoted.

In Lesotho (SWB/LES), the aim is to have 10 small-scale entrepreneurs fishing in reservoirs by the end of the year. Management measures will be introduced on three open-access reservoirs. A market study will be conducted.

In Zambia (SWB/ZAM) the results from monitoring will be documented and guidelines prepared for the assessment method (including test fishing, monitoring and community survey). Fishing gear for capture of Barbus paludinosus will be tested, and if successful introduced on a pilot scale. Fishing will be promoted on 10 under-utilized reservoirs; the reservoir inventory will be updated; training will be provided for Fish Scouts (2 workshops); attempts to decentralize control over the fisheries will proceed.

The project SWB/ZIM 1 will test different fish stock assessment methods in use in Zimbabwe. It will adapt the test fishing methods used by ALCOM, test and demonstrate a monitoring system, gather and analyse economic data on reservoir exploitation and propose management schemes for testing on pilot reservoirs. The project SWB/ZIM 2, will during the year identify and prepare enhancement interventions on selected reservoirs for implementation towards the end of the year or during 1993.

Environmental aspects of aquaculture

Desk studies and reviews of water resources management, water borne diseases and bio-diversity issues will be finalized. Environmental impact assessment will be tested in conjunction with ongoing pilot projects. Field activities will be identified and proposed, based on findings from desk studies and field tests.

Extension/training methods

Close collaboration and coordination will be maintained with the SADCC Regional Fisheries Training Programme, the University of kuopio, Finland, and other training institutions.

The project in Eastern Province (FAR/EPZ) will continue to be implemented by the Department of Fisheries with technical backstopping from ALCOM. Support will be given for transport for Fish Scouts and preparation of extension material.

One refresher course for 10 medium level technicians and further training for farmers will be sponsored in Mozambique (EXT/MOZ).

A six-week course for 10 medium-level technicians will be held in Angola and further training (including a study tour) prepared for implementation during 1993 (EXT/ANG).

Gender in aquaculture development

The activities supported by GCP/RAF/273/JPN will be concluded during the year. They are collection of gender-specific information for planning in Zambia (2 studies), Zimbabwe and Tanzania; a regional expert consultation; and support to the planned SADCC workshop on gender issues in fisheries. Guidelines for gathering gender-specific socio-economic data will be prepared and follow up projects identified.

Aquaculture and human nutrition

Activities initiated with funds from GCP/INT/467/NOR will be finalized in April 1992. A final report will describe survey results and the potential for integrating nutrition concerns into aquaculture projects. Further separate nutrition activities are not planned for 1992. Instead, nutrition concerns will be integrated into ongoing projects, following conclusions from the above surveys.

Development support

Development support work is largely determined by requests from member countries. Besides responding to requests, the activities during 1992 will encompass compilation of laws and regulations on inland fisheries and aquaculture in the region and assessment of the economic viability of small-scale aquaculture. Assistance will be provided to Angola for preparing an aquaculture strategy and for formulating projects. Training needs will be identified, and a training module will be prepared for project identification and preparation.

Information Service

Four issues of ALCOM News, 10 technical reports, and a booklet on aquaculture in Southern africa will be disseminated. An audio-visual on women in aquaculture in Luapula Province, Zambia (January) and one on ALCOM in general (October) will be produced.

Pamphlets and factsheets will be prepared and printed as needed for extension projects.

The library will be organized and computerized. Information on library holdings will be sent to Government authorities in the region and access to information facilitated.

PROGRESS REPORT 1991 AND WORK PLAN 1992

1. INTRODUCTION

This document presents the Progress Report 1991 and the Proposed Work Plan 1992.

The Work Plan 1991 was endorsed by the 4th Steering Committee Meeting as published in GCP/INT/436/SWE/REP/8. It was designed as the first year of the five-year implementation phase.

The Work Plan was followed, although with delays caused by late recruitment of staff and revisions of activities necessitated by findings during preparatory work. These are highlighted in the report.

Following recommendations by the Steering Committee FAO HQ continued its efforts to attract donors to support the programme. Sweden was requested to continue funding up to the end of 1995. Belgium responded positively to funding the small water body component. A request for support to aquaculture and farming systems was forwarded to the Government of Netherlands.

The Work Plan 1992 follows the same target areas as earlier. Compared to earlier years more emphasis is given to Development Support, strengthening of institutions and the Information Service.

The Work Plan 1992 is prepared for an expected budget of US$1,4 million, with anticipated contributions from Sweden (US$900 000), Belgium for the small water body component (US$420 000), GCP/RAF/273/JPN for gender activities (US$85 000) and GCP/INT/467/NOR for nutrition activities (US$30 000). Adjustments may be needed when actual funding level is known.

The Work Plan 1992 was formulated with assistance of a Working Group, consisting of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee and the SADCC Fisheries Coordinating Unit, which met 5–6 December 1991. The meeting also contributed to the Programme Management Plan for 1992 and the preparations and arrangements for the 5th Steering Committee Meeting.

2. STAFF AND CONSULTANTS

The following professional staff were attached to ALCOM during 1991:

EOD - Entry on Duty
NTE - Not to Exceed

The following consultants were attached to ALCOM during 1991:

3. METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Aquaculture and farming systems

Description: The relationship between farming systems and aquaculture in Southern Africa is studied through literature reviews and field studies to identify crucial factors for better integration.

Pilot projects on aquaculture and farming systems, which include such topics as fish farming technology, hatchery systems and species selection, are identified, prepared and implemented as separate projects.

Technical assistance in aquaculture is provided to rural development programmes and projects to identify the potential for incorporating aquaculture. Close relations are maintained with existing farming systems programmes in and beyond the region.

Progress in research is followed and documented through contacts with research institutions/organizations and other projects.

Assessment: Not applicable.

Objective: The overall objective is increased income and improved household food security in rural communities through aquaculture integrated with farming practices.

The immediate objectives are:

• decentralized production of quality fingerling
• increased fish production through improved pond management using on-farm resources
• effective fish farming extension services
• women and youth engaged in fish farming
• aquaculture activities integrated into rural development projects.

Description: Fish farming is expanding rapidly in Luapula Province, with over 600 fish farming households. Fish farmers currently employ extensive management practices and produce more fish by increasing pond area, not by intensification. About 10% of the fish farmers are women. Government fish farms and extension services have not been able to keep up with the booming demand for fingerlings and technical advice, and the quality of fish seed available is unsatisfactory.

On-station trials are used to improve fish seed quality. On-farm trials include monitoring of pond inputs and outputs and test of intensified fish farming practices. Extension services are supported by staff and farmer training, development of extension materials, and transport.

The pilot project is implemented as part of a joint effort involving the Department of Fisheries, ALCOM and the following organizations:

• ODA (United Kingdom) which supports a study of the socio-economic factors which promote and inhibit fish farming practices, and the impact of these practices on households.
• ARPT (Adaptive Research Planning Team) which supports farming systems research.
• FINNIDA and IRDP (Integrated Rural Development Programme) which have incorporated fish farming into their development activities in Luapula Province.
• ALCOM nutrition pilot project as described under NUT/LPZ.

Assessment: The activities/targets as set out in the Work Plan for 1991 were delayed. The ALCOM Aquaculturist APO left Mansa, Luapula Province, February 1991 and the replacement took up his post in July. The activities virtually stopped and a revised work plan for 1991 was agreed with the Department of Fisheries in July. Good progress was made during the 2nd half of the year to revitalize the project. The established collaboration with the ODA funded project strengthened the socio-economic aspects of the project.

The revitalization of activities is laying a foundation for the future. A revision of the project will be carried out Jan/Feb 1992 by the Department of Fisheries and ALCOM to determine future orientation and activities.

Objective: The overall objective is to increase the supply of protein and provide income earning opportunities for rural communities through aquaculture.

The immediate objectives are to:

• increase consumption of fish and generation of income among homestead families in Lubombo Region, and eventually in other areas of the country
• develop and promote fish farming techniques integrated with farming practices
• implement fish farming extension services which are effective and commensurate with the value of fish produced.

Description: Small-scale fish farming was promoted on Swazi National Lands through the agricultural extension service in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Over 500 small fish ponds were built and operated by farmers, mainly in the Lubombo Region. However, from the mid-1980's fish farming activities dropped off for a variety of reasons: the reorganization of agriculture extension service; destruction of the Nyetane fish hatchery by a cyclone; and disappointing fish culture results at the farmer level.

The pilot project is implemented by the Project Group for Aquaculture Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, with technical back-stopping from ALCOM. It has three phases: the study phase 1990–1991 documented and evaluated the current state of homestead fish farming and extension; the rehabilitation phase 1992–93 will implement improvements in homestead fish farming and extension in selected areas of Lubombo Region; the expansion phase after 1993 will extend these improvements to other regions of Swaziland.

Assessment: The socio-economic survey and the results from the missions during 1991 revealed doubts about the feasibility of small-scale fish farming utilizing and recycling on-farm products. The demand for fish is limited and fresh fish has to compete with cheap imported frozen sea fish. Following this the pilot project was revised taking into account potential fish production from small water bodies and market investigations. The potential for commercial intensive or semi-intensive fish farming will be considered. The delays in the implementation were caused by the need to reconsider the orientation of the project and to undertake complementary studies.

Objective: The overall objective is the introduction of improved methods for intermittent harvesting of fish from ponds.

The immediate objectives are:

• documentation of the occurrence of intermittent harvesting practices in Southern Africa
• analysis of the concept of intermittent harvesting to determine its advantages and disadvantages
• improved intermittent harvesting methods
• incorporation of improved methods in pilot project activities.

Description: The fish farmer surveys in Zambia revealed the widespread use of intermittent harvesting practices by small-scale fish farmers. A follow-up consultancy analyzed the concept of intermittent harvesting and proposed pilot project activities. A model which simulates fish pond conditions has been designed to evaluate intermittent harvesting options. Long-term on-station and on-farm trials will be implemented on a selective basis at various sites in the region, and the results will be made available for use in extension programmes.

Assessment: Not applicable.

Objective: To augment aquaculture production by introduction of Chinese carps. The immediate objectives are:

• an established broadstock of Chinese carps
• methods for artificial spawning
• results from test with polyculture of Chinese carps, common carp and tilapia
• results from stocking of reservoirs

Description: The project has three phases:

1. importation of Chinese carp fingerlings. Three species were imported during 1991; silver carp, bigheard carp and grass carp.

2. establishment and selection of the broadstock. During this phase national staff will be trained in handling and selection techniques, pituarity gland extraction and preparation, hatchery design and construction. This phase will be carried out during 1992 and 1993.

3. test of polyculture in ponds with farmers, stocking of reservoirs, monitoring of the results and the establishment of an extension system.

The project will be further elaborated during the second phase (1992–1993) taking into account possible ecological impact of introductions.