APPENDIX 1
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

APPENDIX 2

Speech of H. E. the Minister of Agriculture of Mozambique, Mr. Alaxandre Zandamela, at the opening session of ALCOM's Sixth Steering Committee Meeting, on 16 February 1993 at Maputo.

It is with great pleasure that I am here to open the 6th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Aquaculture for Local Community Development Programme (ALCOM). Allow me, first of all, Mr Chairman, to welcome you all in the name of my Government and my own name, and wish you all the greatest success in the efforts for the progress of ALCOM in the development of aquaculture methods and techniques to benefit the rural communities in the region.

The food situation continues to be one of the greatest concerns of the countries of the SADC region. The drought that struck most of Southern Africa during the 1991–92 crop season contributed to increase our worries. The effect of the drought on cereal production was devastating all over the region and the SADC countries had to import during the year an unprecedented amount of grain.

The fact that the region was able to overcome the worst drought in memory proves the capacity of SADC countries to cooperate in order to face challenges of food and income for the rural communities and in this context aquaculture is particularly attractive in view of its relatively short production cycle.

However, aquaculture is not yet well established in our region. Some obvious reasons for that are the lack of fishing tradition and the shortage in infrastructure, research and specialized personnel. But another important reason is the shortage of technology and extension methods appropriate for the rural farmers and the agriculture production systems of the region. In this context, ALCOM's efforts to help develop adequate techniques and methods for aquaculture and fishing in small water bodies and to strengthen the region's extension systems are very welcome. The success of those efforts will constitute a valuable contribution for the region's self sufficiency in food.

In the concrete case of Mozambique, the country has one of the best lake and river networks in Southern Africa. The fishing potential of small water bodies is still largely underused. There are equally wide possibilities to develop fresh water fish farming, especially in areas where natural fisheries resources are not plentiful. The utilization of this potential could provide a more substantial supply of fishery products in the areas beyond the reach of fish distribution networks.

The Government is interested in strengthening its capacity to promote the development of aquaculture in Mozambique, chiefly in the rural areas. Several local species are adequate for aquaculture and the possibilities of polyculture with other fish species, including carps, in addition to integrated rearing with other animals such as ducks and pigs, may be feasible in many parts of the country. Adequate infrastructures and techniques, as well as duly trained staff, are however essential to develop such a potential.

It is with appreciation and satisfaction that we follow-up the support ALCOM has provided in the implementation of training courses to increase the knowledge of Mozambican technicians with regard to extension and communication in the field of aquaculture. This is a vital activity because it is indispensable to make the best possible use of the scarce human and financial resources available. ALCOM is equally assisting in the implementation of a project to strengthen the aquaculture extension services in the province of Manica, where conditions favour this activity. Another activity supported by ALCOM is the viability study on carp farming in Mozambique.

The experts are confident that the possibilities to develop aquaculture in Mozambique are good, considering the existing water resources and the priority given to their development by the Government. The active involvement of FAO and of projects such as ALCOM will help us transform the existing potential into increased availability of fish and better living conditions in the rural areas.

To end up, I wish all here gathered a productive meeting and a pleasant stay in Mozambique and declare officially opened the 6th Meeting of ALCOM's Steering Committee.

APPENDIX 3

AGENDA

1. Election of Chairperson

2. Adoption of the Agenda

3. Action taken on decisions and recommendations by the 5th Steering Committee Meeting

4. Progress Report 1992

5. Preliminary report by the Working Group on the Future of ALCOM

6. Report from the Technical Consultation on the Enhancement of Small Water Body Fisheries in Southern Africa

7. Report on the project Enhancement of the Role of Women in Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

8. Status of Study on International Fisheries Research (SIFR)

9. ALCOM orientation 1993 – 1995

10. Work Plan 1993

11. Date and venue for the 7th Steering Committee Meeting

12. Other matters

13. Adoption of the report

APPENDIX 4

PROGRESS REPORT 1992

by A. Andreasson

Programme Director

SUMMARY OF PROGRESS REPORT 1992

1. General

The year was characterized by the severe drought affecting all SADC-countries. The drought drastically hampered aquaculture activities and numerous reservoirs and other small water bodies dried up. The rainy season starting at the end of the year has generally been good. However, the effects of the drought will continue to be felt in aquaculture and small water body fisheries:lack of fingerlings for stocking of ponds and slow natural repopulation of reservoirs.

The drought influenced ALCOM-supported sub-projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Botswana. The effects are highlighted in the main report.

ALCOM-supported activities were also affected by the uncertain funding situation during the year. The 5th Steering Committee Meeting in February 1992, endorsed the work plan which was designed based on an anticipated budget of US$1,4 million. Up to September 1992 only US$600 000 were committed. Sweden decided to continue funding from October for three years with approximately US$900 000 per year. Belgium decided to fund the ALCOM-project Utilization of Small Water Bodies for Fisheries and Aquaculture, for five years, starting September 1992, with US$425 000 per year. The Programme became fully operational on the anticipated budget level in October. The project Enhancement of the Role of Women in Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, funded by Japan, was partly implemented through ALCOM during the year.

2. Staff

ALCOM's core staff was complemented by the entry on duty by the Socio-economist (August 1992) and the Fisheries Biologist (September 1992).

3. Meetings

The 5th Steering Committee Meeting was held in Mangochi, Malawi, in February 1992. It appointed a Working Group on the Future of ALCOM (beyond 1995) and confirmed that a Management Working Group should meet once a year.

The Working Group on the Future of ALCOM met twice during the year (June and November). It prepared a preliminary report to be presented to the 6th Steering Committee Meeting, February 1993.

The Management Working Group met in November 1992. The agenda addressed practical arrangements for the 6th Steering Committee Meeting, review of the activities 1992 and the work plan for 1993, and an outline for ALCOM's work 1993–1995. The report of the Management Working Group will be submitted to the 6th Steering Committee Meeting.

The planned technical consultation on the Enhancement of Small Water Body Fisheries in southern Africa, was postponed to January 1993, for funding reasons.

4. Offices

ALCOM moved into new offices (cnr Jason Moyo Avenue/4th Street in Harare) in August 1992. The problems encountered with offices were thus overcome.

5. Pilot projects/activities

5.1. Aquaculture and farming systems.

The pilot project Aquaculture in Rural Development in Luapula Province, Zambia, was reviewed in October 1992. The review concluded that the technical problems for rural small-scale aquaculture in the area had been overcome and recommended that the project should focus on extension. It will become part of an extension project for Zambia starting in April 1993. No activities were carried out under the pilot project Rehabilitation of Homestead Ponds in Swaziland, due to the drought. The project will be reviewed before it is eventually taken up again. The project on Intermittent Harvesting Methods, with on-station trials at the Chilanga Fish Farm in Zambia, continued during the year, with results affected by the drought and loss of fish (predation and/or theft). Results will be evaluated during the first quarter of 1993, before a decision on eventual follow-up.

5.2. Utilization of small water bodies

Pilot projects were ongoing in Lesotho, Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Activities were generally kept on a low level because of the drought and the funding situation. From September the activities were funded under GCP/RAF/277/BEL. The Fisheries Biologist under the project took up her post in September. Continued progress was made on methods for assessment of fish stocks, fishing effort and catches, and socio-economics of surrounding communities. The report and training notes for the utilization of Rapid Rural Appraisal methods were completed.

Preparations were made for the Technical Consultation on the Enhancement of Small Water Body Fisheries in Southern Africa, with papers commissioned and invitations issued.

5.3. Environmental aspects of aquaculture

A draft report on aquaculture and reservoir fisheries and the spread of water borne human diseases and a draft pamphlet on bilharzia and its mitigation were prepared, the latter for use in training of extension workers. A review of bio-diversity was initiated as a background for a technical consultancy on indigenous and exotic species for aquaculture and reservoir fisheries, planned for the first quarter of 1994. One consultancy was carried out in Zambia and one in Mozambique on introduction of exotic species.

5.4 Extension/training

Three projects were planned for 1992

• Field testing of aquaculture in rural development, Eastern Province, Zambia
• Methodology for fish culture extension, Mozambique and

• Fish farming extension, Angola

Activities were carried out only under the project in Eastern Province of Zambia. During the year the Department of Fisheries expanded its aquaculture extension activities through increased collaboration with the agriculture extension systems, through training of extension staff and mobile training courses for farmers. Additional funding was allocated to the Department of Fisheries from the Integrated Rural Development Programme in the province. Fish farming continued to expand during the year; there are now 400 practising farmers and 300 who have requested technical assistance. The ALCOM-supported project will be finalized during the first quarter of 1993 and continued support will be given through an extension sub-project for Zambia.

5.5. Gender in aquaculture development

Activities were supported by the project Enhancement of the Role of Women in Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, funded by Japan. Field and desk studies were carried out on socio-economic gender-dissaggregated data for planning and project design, in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, and a socio-economic survey was carried out in Ruvuma Region in Tanzania. The project will be finalized with a regional experts' meeting in January 1993, which will revise draft guidelines for the gathering of gender-sensitive socio-economic information for planning and project design.

5.6. Aquaculture and human nutrition

Activities supported by the project Strengthening of the Role of Fish and Fisheries in the Alleviation of Malnutrition, funded by Norway, were finalized in April 1992. The final report from the project is being prepared at FAO HQ.

6. Development support

Advice was provided to the Fish Culture Department in Mozambique on its organization and priorities for its work. A sector study was carried out in Angola. Support was given to FAO HQ for the Study on International Fisheries Research and the Department of Fisheries in Zambia to finalize the document for the project Preparation of a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Data were being collected for an analysis of the economic feasibility of aquaculture and on laws and regulations governing/affecting aquaculture and small water body fisheries development.

7. Information service

Four issues of the newsletter, ALCOM News, a sketchbook on aquaculture in Southern Africa, three reports and seven field documents were published during the year. The library holdings (3500 documents) were classified and computerized.

PROGRESS REPORT: DETAILS

1. INTRODUCTION

This document presents ALCOM's Progress Report for 1992. The Work Plan for 1992 was endorsed by the 5th Steering Committee Meeting as published in ALCOM Report no. 10. The Work Plan was designed for a budget of US$1,4 million. Full implementation was made possible in September/October 1992, with the Swedish decision to continue funding of ALCOM for three years with approximately US$900 000 per year, and the decision by Belgium to fund the ALCOM-project Utilization of Small Water Bodies for Aquaculture and Fisheries for five years, with approximately US$425 000 per year.

ALCOM's staff was complemented by the entry on duty by the Socio-economist (August 1992) and the Fisheries Officer (September 1992).

The activities were affected by the severe drought in Southern Africa 1991/92 and uncertainties over funding. The effects are highlighted in the report.

2. METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

2.1 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.

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

The immediate objectivesare:

• decentralized production of quality fingerlings
• 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.

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

The immediate objectivesare 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.

Activities/targets 1992

Due to the drought and ALCOM's funding situation the implementation of the project has been postponed. A revision of the project has been proposed.

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

The immediate objectivesare:

• 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.

Remarks: The eventual future activities will be decided during 1st quarter of 1993.

Objective: To augment aquaculture production by introduction of Chinese carps.

The immediate objectivesare:

• an established broodstock 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, bighead carp and grass carp.

2. establishment and selection of the broodstock. During this phase national staff will be trained in handling and selection techniques, pituary 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 the possible ecological impact of introductions.

2.2 Utilization of small water bodies

Description: Six small water body projects are under way: one each in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi and Zambia; and two in Zimbabwe. Pilot projects address issues in fisheries assessment, fishing monitoring, community surveys, economic feasibility, fisheries development and management, fishing gear, and fisheries enhancements. Pilot project areas cover a wide range of climate, fish fauna, social organization, and fish eating/marketing habits.

Small water body pilot projects are complemented by studies and surveys on selected topics. Information and experiences from other regions are evaluated, and results exchanged among pilot projects.

Objective: The overall objective is to test and demonstrate methods to increase the production of fish from small water bodies benefitting the local communities.

The immediate objectivesare:

• increased production of small dam fisheries through evaluation, monitoring, and management of fish stocks, including enhancements, such as stocking
• employment of fishing gear appropriate to the fishery and the local communities
• implementation of fisheries development and management strategies through local communities
• trained Government staff to assist communities to exploit the fishery potential of small dams.

Description: Information on physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of fisheries has been gathered and evaluated for seven small dams. One year of monthly test fishing exercises has been completed on one dam to determine the annual fluctuation in fish populations, and a fishery data and assessment procedure has been devised. Strong indigenous fish populations have been found, and constraints to local fishing and fish consumption have been identified.

Fishery development and management efforts will focus on testing and introducing appropriate fishing methods in selected local communities as identified through the Rapid Rural Appraisal.

Remarks: Most dams were completely or almost dried out during the drought, which will affect fishing in the near future.

The pilot project is planned to be finalized in its present form in April 1993. Activities up to April 1993 will focus on handing over the project to the Fisheries Section.

Objective: The overall objective is to increase fish production from existing small reservoirs benefitting the local communities.

The immediate objectivesare:

• a stock assessment method adapted to small reservoirs in Lesotho
• fishery development and management options for each size class of reservoirs
• stimulation of small-scale entrepreneurs to exploit small reservoir fisheries through fisheries enhancements and introduction of improved gear.

Description: The pilot project was initiated in 1989 with a socio-economic survey of fishing activities and fish eating habits and attitudes, which documented an unmet demand for fresh fish. In late 1990, test fishing on five selected reservoirs showed established indigenous fish populations, with some introduced bass and carp. A map-based inventory has identified 310 reservoirs of less than 1 ha, 75 reservoirs between 1 and 10 ha, and 6 reservoirs larger than 10 ha. A fishing survey initiated in mid-1991 is documenting the seasonal hook and line fisheries on larger reservoirs, the only type of fishing currently allowed in Lesotho.

The pilot project will develop the fisheries of each size class of reservoir by stimulating entrepreneurial fishing through gear development, training of fishermen, stocking where necessary, and appropriate regulations

Remarks: The ALCOM Aquaculturist (APO) took up his post in Maseru in October 1992. On request from the Fisheries Unit the work during 1992 and 1993 will focus on the inventory and assessment of the potential use of reservoirs.

Objective: The overall objective is to improve the production of fish from small water bodies benefitting local communities.

The immediate objectivesare:

• development/testing of a fisheries assessment method which yields strategies for increasing small reservoir fishery production
• introduction of and/or improvements in fishing methods and gear
• sustainable small reservoir fishery management by local communities
• training of Government staff in small reservoir fishery assessment, development and management.

Description: Eastern Province of Zambia has 207 catalogued small reservoirs on which fishing is carried out. There is a high demand for fish, and improved reservoir fishing and management could help satisfy this demand. Fishery assessment and fishing monitoring

procedures are being refined for conditions in Eastern Province. Monitoring shows high fishing effort on some reservoirs. Management strategies will focus on harvesting unexploited fish stocks, strengthening local control over reservoir fisheries, and promotion of fisheries on under-exploited reservoirs.

Objective: The overall objective is to identify a feasible fish stock assessment method for use in appraising small reservoir fishery yield parameters and the potential management of and enhancements to small reservoir fisheries.

The immediate objectivesare to:

• refine the fish sampling technique and use sampling data from selected small reservoirs to determine fishery yield parameters
• train participating Malawian staff on-the-job in small reservoir stock assessment methods
• correlate measurable limnological parameters with estimated productivity
• develop a framework for determining small reservoir fishery management and enhancement options.

Description: This collaborative project among the Government of Malawi, ALCOM and ICLARM started in May 1992 for 18 months. It addresses critical fishery and limnology assessment issues relating to sampling and yield prediction. The results will be of use in Malawi and in other small reservoir fishery assessment and development efforts in the region. The pilot project will also evaluate the effects of interventions on reservoirs used for domestic water supply.

Three projects were formulated during 1991 and preparatory work was initiated on two. Following the funding situation only SWB/ZIM 1 has been implemented. SWB/ZIM 2 and 3 have been postponed, and will be reviewed before eventual implementation during 1993.

1. Methods for reservoir fisheries development (SWB/ZIM 1)

Objectives: The overall objective is a rapid fisheries appraisal method for community based reservoir fisheries management.

The immediate objectivesare:

• a fish stock assessment method adapted for reservoirs ranging from 5 to 2000 ha
• a monitoring method for fishing efforts on small reservoirs
• a procedure to collect and evaluate socio-economic data needed for decisions on small reservoir fisheries management

Description: Zimbabwe has over 8000 man-made reservoirs on communal land, commercial farming land and state land. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management licences fishing on all reservoirs. Licences are however limited to gill nets. Removal rates by other legal fishing gear such as rod and line, long lines and fishing traps are not considered in estimating the potential production of reservoirs for determining the fishing pressure.

Five reservoirs have been selected to test and demonstrate an improved rapid fishery assessment method and community-based fisheries management.

Supporting study:

A Minor Field Study on the biology and ecology of Barbus paludinosuswas carried out by students from Sweden. The report was received in December 1992.

2.3 Environmental aspects of aquaculture

Description: The 4th Steering Committee Meeting in February 1991 endorsed the idea that environmental aspects should be addressed within the concept of water resources management for biological production. Several countries in the region are facing constraints to development caused by water scarcity. Efficient use of water resources can facilitate development, and aquaculture and inland fisheries compete with other users for good quality water.

Activities which were initiated in the fourth quarter of 1991 will continue throughout 1992 in three main areas: water resources management; waterborne human diseases; and, environmental impact. Contacts and collaboration with ICLARM, UNEP, IUCN and other national and international bodies working on environmental issues will be strengthened.

Remarks: Environmental aspects will from 1993 be addressed under relevant pilot project activities and not reported as a separate target area.

2.4 Extension/training methods

Description: Extension methods currently applied in agriculture, rural development and fish farming are surveyed and evaluated for their potential in small-scale fish farming development. The testing and demonstration of extension methods and material are an integral part of all pilot projects. The need for extension methodology development is assessed and specific pilot projects proposed.

Information on extension methods is disseminated to the participating countries.

In the context of pilot projects, study tours are provided for Government staff and fish farmers. Government staff attend short training courses, through fellowships, with priority given to courses in Africa.

Objective: The overall objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of, and develop a methodology for, the introduction of small-scale aquaculture in rural communities with a participatory approach.

The immediate objectivesare to:

• develop an extension methodology which enables rural farming households to evaluate, select and implement practical fish farming systems using locally available resources
• train extensionists to use the system
• develop effective means of communication between aquaculture technicians/extensionists and community members.

Description: Pilot project activities were initiated in March 1987 in Chipata District, Eastern Province, Zambia. Communities interested in fish farming were identified and described, together with potential sites for aquaculture. A participatory method for introducing fish farming into these communities was developed and tested, and the results are being monitored.

A short course for training of extensionists to use the method was developed. Special supporting studies were undertaken to address issues arising during the project.

Modest and long-term technical and material support is being provided to the Department of Fisheries, Eastern Province, to solidify and expand this fish farming extension method to 3 other Districts (Chadiza, Katete, Lundazi) where fingerling production centres and Fish Scouts are already established.

Objectives: The overall objective is the establishment of an effective extension service for fish culture.

The immediate objectivesare:

• an extension methodology and related extension material
• a pilot extension service
• curricula and material for training of extension staff
• medium-level technicians trained in extension methods
• existing extension workers trained in basic fish farming techniques

Description: The pilot project addresses the need for fish culture training and extension materials adapted to local conditions, and trained staff to improve and expand the coverage of the extension service.

Remarks: No activities were undertaken during 1992. The Fish Culture Department is being reorganized. The intention is to concentrate the efforts tentatively in two areas in Gaza and Manica Provinces. The activities in Manica would focus on integrating fish farming extension into existing rural extension services. A project proposal for support to aquaculture extension in Manica Province has been prepared for implementation in 1993.

Objective: The overall objective is the development of human resources needed to evaluate and exploit the aquaculture potential in Angola.

The immediate objectivesare:

• 10 medium-level technicians trained in aquaculture and extension
• one high-level officer trained in aquaculture

Description: Angola has a good potential for inland fish farming and fisheries in terms of water and land resources. The Government has recently created an Aquaculture Section, within the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Florestal (IDF) of the Ministry of Agriculture, charged with developing inland aquaculture.

A formulation mission in March 1991 identified three areas of collaboration to strengthen fish farming development in the short and medium-term: technical and extension training of medium-level IDF staff; advanced training of one high-level IDF officer; and, preparation of an aquaculture development strategy. Medium-level technical training and development planning was initiated in the second half of 1991.

The training and development planning activities will be continued during 1992, based on a pilot project to be formulated in late 1991. These activities draw on trained personnel and extension methods from ALCOM's 1990 pilot project in Mozambique.

Activities/Targets 1992

No activities were undertaken during 1992.

2.5 Gender in aquaculture development

Description: Literature reviews and studies in connection with other programme activities revealed information on constraints and potential for an increased involvement of women in aquaculture development. Specific studies are undertaken on constraints and possibilities.

The focus is on the identification of options and activities to be included in ongoing activities.

Activities/Targets 1992

1. Gender activities during 1993 were carried out under GCP/RAF/273/JPN (WOM/IFA)

This project, partly implemented by ALCOM, is funded by Japan under GCP/RAF/273/JPN.

Objectives: The overall objective is to increase the socio-economic benefits for vulnerable groups through the incorporation of gender specific considerations in inland fisheries and aquaculture development activities.

The immediate objectivesare:

• enhancement of gender specific socio-economic information on inland fisheries and aquaculture.
• guidelines for collecting gender specific socio-economic information
• integration of gender issues into development projects

Description: Little information is available on gender (roles of men and women) within communities targeted by development projects. These are often unable to address the needs of women and to utilize their potential to participate in development activities. This lack of information is compounded by the fact that guidelines for systematic collection of such information do not exist.

A review of the current status of gender-specific socio-economic information for inland fisheries and aquaculture will be undertaken in Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This review will be followed by a regional expert consultation on gender-specific socio-economic information needs. Gender - specific studies will be undertaken and their results discussed at regional workshop to identify ways and means for projects to incorporate activities oriented towards the enhancement of the role of women in inland fisheries and aquaculture development.

Draft guidelines for collecting gender - specific socio-economic information for development planning and project formulation in inland fisheries and aquaculture will be prepared and tested during pilot surveys. The guidelines will be finalized in consultation with regional experts and disseminated within the region.

Pilot projects integrating gender issues into inland fisheries and aquaculture development activities will be identified and formulated. Proposed pilot projects will be discussed at a regional workshop and selected ones submitted to donors for funding.

2.6 Aquaculture and human nutrition

Objective: Increased consumption of fish in rural households and an increased role for aquaculture in household food security.

Description: The programme will assist the participating countries to implement recommendations of the Technical Consultation on the Role of Aquaculture in Human Nutrition, which was held in 1989.

The activities encompass support to national coordinating groups in conducting national planning conferences, and introduction of household food security objectives in aquaculture development.

3. DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Description: To achieve the intermediate and overall objectives of the programme, feasible aquaculture methods and practices need to be applied on a larger scale than in pilot projects. The activities under this target area attempt to assist in bridging the gap between research, pilot projects and regional and national development initiatives.

Activities are initiated on request from participating Governments, Non-governmental organizations and donor agencies. These may include the identification of investment opportunities, project identification and preparation (including feasibility studies), mobilization of funds, managerial and technical assistance during implementation, and training in project formulation, management, monitoring and evaluation.

4. INFORMATION SERVICE

Description: The main elements in the Information Service are technical reports, exhibitions, audio-visuals, video films, the library and the newsletter, ALCOM News.