APPENDICES (continued)

Appendix 3

I NARRATIVE PROGRESS REPORT, 1993

1 General

The Work Plan for 1993 was endorsed by the Sixth Steering Committee Meeting, February 1993 (see ALCOM report No 13, Report of the Sixth Steering Committee Meeting, Maputo, Mozambique, 16 – 19 February 1993). The Work Plan was organized in four Action Programmes:

The funding initially available for 1993 was:

This level of funding would not have allowed full implementation of all Action Programmes in 1993. Action Programmes 1, 3 and 4 were given priority and, under Action Programme 2, only ALCOM's regular information activities could be implemented.

However, because of currency fluctuations (mainly the devaluation of the Swedish Krona against the US dollar) during the year, ALCOM lost a considerable amount of its planned funding. The total budget from Swedish sources for the present three-year phase was reduced by approximately US$ 800 000. Austerity measures, including postponement of activities, reduction in travels, etc. were introduced in September. In consultation with the donors, FAO headquarters proposed measures, including shortening of the present phase funded by Sweden from September 1995 to December 1994, funding by Belgium of the post of Socio-economist for 1994, and additional funds from FAO's own sources (TCP - Technical Cooperation Programme) for extension activities during 1994.

2 Staff

The Senior Planning Officer based in Harare, and the Aquaculturist based in Malawi, were separated from their posts in April and June 1993 respectively. An Aquaculturist was engaged in Harare July – September. These posts were not filled at the end of the year. The Programme Director resigned his post at the end of the year and the Programme Director-designate did not take up his post due to budgetary constraints. The expert staff who served for the entire year consists of the Senior Aquaculturist, Socio-Economist, Information Officer, and Librarian (National Project Officer) under Swedish funds, and the Small Reservoir Fisheries Specialist and Fisheries Officer (National Project Officer) under Belgian funds.

At the end of the year six Associate Professional Officers were attached to ALCOM: one Aquaculturist in Lesotho, one Aquaculturist in Tanzania (who took up her post in December), one Socio-economist in Zambia, one Ecologist and two Socio-economists in Zimbabwe.

3 Action Programmes

A Progress Report on Action Programme Sub-Projects follows this Narrative Progress Report.

3.1 Action Programme 1: Institutions for aquaculture extension

Two sub-projects (Aquaculture and Integrated Rural Development in Luapula Province, Zambia; and Field Testing of Aquaculture in Rural Development, Eastern Province, Zambia) were finalized in April 1993. Both projects tested extension approaches for rural small-scale fish farming in co-operation with the agriculture and fisheries extension services in Zambia. At the end of the year, there were 537 fish farmers with 897 ponds totalling 14 ha in Eastern Province. Another 955 farmers had requested extension services. In Luapula Province, aquaculture had started to expand when the sub-project was initiated late 1989. In 1993 the number had risen to more than 800 farmers with 1400 ponds.

In Eastern Province, training had been provided for 11,902 adults (over one-third of whom are women) through 215 training courses. (IRDP, Integrated Rural Development Programme, funded the training courses.) Training courses were also organized for staff of the Department of Agriculture (12 days). Forty-one private farmers were trained in fingerling production.

The two sub-projects were replaced by one extension sub-project in Zambia “Improved aquaculture extension services” focusing on Eastern, Central, and Luapula Provinces. The sub-project provides training for fisheries extension staff as subject matter specialists and agriculture extension workers in aquaculture. Extension pamphlets, study tours, training of Department of Agriculture staff and fingerling production have already been initiated. The Department of Fisheries has designated staff in each province as subject matter specialists for the training and visit agriculture extension system. A computerized fish farming and extension monitoring system developed in Eastern Province has been adapted to the other provinces.

One extension sub-project for Manica Province, Mozambique, was prepared and initiated (a follow up of earlier extension training activities in 1990), using the same approach as that of the extension project in Zambia. The sub-project, called “Fish culture extension for Manica Province”, aims at establishing fish culture in the province through improved fingerling production and distribution and integration of fish culture into the agriculture extension system. During the year two one-week training courses were held for 51 agriculture extension officers. The trainer, who participated in earlier ALCOM-supported training courses in 1990, is assigned to monitor and follow up the aquaculture extension support in the province. He also identified high potential areas in the province to help focus extension efforts.

3.2 Action Programme 2: Institutions for Development Planning, Communications, and Information

The Sixth Steering Committee decided that although equal priority should be given to all Action Programmes, the implementation of Action Programme 2 - except the regular functioning of ALCOM's Information Service - should be postponed until further funding was secured. The proposal was presented to several donors during the year. It aroused interest and support but no funding commitments.

Four issues of ALCOM News (January, April, July and October) were published and distributed. ALCOM News has sparked off a number of letters, requesting further information and documents.

One technical report and two field documents were published and distributed. Seven additional reports and field documents are ready for printing in early 1994. In addition, three documents prepared under ALCOM were published outside the Programme.

During the year, daily newspapers in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe have carried articles on ALCOM and its activities, and articles based on ALCOM News. The Zambian radio and the BBC World Service have featured ALCOM.

The library, now with some 5000 documents, receives approximately 50 documents per week. The ALCOM library has been selected as the national networking centre in Zimbabwe for ZIMAGRINET (Zimbabwe National Agriculture Information Network) for aquaculture documentation. Eight students from Harare Polytechnic did practical training in the library.

3.3 Action Programme 3: Diversification of rural economies through aquaculture

Six sub-projects/activities were planned under this Action Programme for 1993.

The potential environmental impact of the sub-project “Feasibility of the introduction of Chinese Carps, Mozambique”, was reviewed by FAO's Fishery Resources Officer for Genetic Conservation. The study, published as an FAO Fisheries Circular, used the framework of the ICES/EIFAC Codes of Practice and Manual of Procedures for Consideration of Introduction and Transfer of Marine and Freshwater Organisms. It concluded that it is unlikely that the Chinese carps will establish wild populations in Southern Africa. It recommended that sub-project activities related to weed control by Chinese carp, along with reproduction and growth trials using an indigenous cyprinid, be initiated in the SIREMO irrigation scheme at Chokwe, Gaza Province, on the Limpopo River. The study urged that every effort be made to exclude Chinese carp from the Lake Malawi/Niassa drainage in order to protect this lake's unique fish fauna. The sub-project was subsequently revised. Funds were provided by ALCOM to initiate construction of a small tank-based hatchery for Chinese carps, to be continued in 1994.

Trials with “Intermittent harvesting strategies” at the Chilanga Fish Farm in Zambia were concluded in April 1993. The results were affected by predation/theft and the drought and did not yield any conclusive results. No further activities on intermittent harvesting are planned for the present phase.

A sub-project, “Development of semi-intensive aquaculture in Tanzania”, was prepared for the Morogoro Region and initiated during the year. The sub-project aims at determining the feasibility of semi-intensive fish farming through farmer-managed trials and preparation of extension packages. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Fisheries Division and Sokoine University, Morogoro. A two-month socio-economic study was carried out in August–September to determine critical factors for adopting semi-intensive practices. The report will be published in early 1994. Practical field work is planned to be started early 1994.

A regional activity, “Economics of small-scale aquaculture”, aiming at determining measurable indicators for small-scale fish farming and elaboration of methods for economic assessments, is carried out in conjunction with other sub-projects. The indicators relate to production, income, sales, consumption and costs for pond construction, fingerlings, feed, fertilizers, and labour. Work consisted of a literature review and a cost-benefit analysis of rice-cum-fish trials in Luapula Province, Zambia. Further work will focus on the sub-project in Tanzania.

Activities to collect and disseminate marketing information were initiated with a review of existing marketing structures and collection of export and import regulations for fish and fish products.

Private small-scale rural fingerling production was planned to be investigated during the year, with the aim of supporting such production and determining feasibility at selected sites. No activities have been undertaken (see under Action Programme 1 for details on training in fingerling production in Zambia).

3.4 Action Programme 4: Utilization of Small Water Bodies for Fisheries and Aquaculture

The seven projects in five countries were reviewed in detail in the first half of the year. Several activities were reformulated to focus on management and enhancement interventions, based on the conclusions and recommendations of the Technical Consultation on Enhancement of Small Water Body Fisheries in Southern Africa held in January 1993.

Economic issues concerning small water body exploitation were addressed using established models for fisheries biology and economics. A desk study was carried out to determine the economic feasibility of different small water body management strategies, and four main strategies were identified: no management; sustainable yield; no fishing to allow fish stocks to recover/grow; and, enhancement through stocking and/or fertilizing/feeding. Further work is being done to determine the preconditions for using these strategies.

Preparations were ongoing during the year for a Technical Consultation on Species for Small Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture, with two studies (Zambia and Mozambique) and elaboration of a prospectus. Further preparatory studies, through author contracts, are planned in Malawi and Tanzania. The consultation is planned for the second half of 1994.

Field activities were finalized in Botswana in April 1993. The final report, based on a socio-economic survey, test fishing, trials with gear, and introduction of fishing on four reservoirs, is in final editing. It recommends the follow-up action needed before small reservoir fishery management can be tried: test fishing to check on fish stocks after the drought; maintainance of inventory on ownership; and, revision of fisheries legislation and regulations to enable local control of small water body fish resources.

The sub-project in Lesotho focussed on completion of the inventory of 590 lowlands reservoirs. Sixteen reservoirs were identified for biological sampling and this programme began in the last quarter of the year. Fishing effort has been monitored and local gears tested. The sub-project will be finalized in its present form in March 1994 with management options proposed based on socio-economic surveys, creel surveys, test fishing and a reservoir inventory. The options are likely to include: no management; part-time gillnet fishery; sport fishery; and, pond aquaculture. A national seminar to discuss the findings with governmental institutions, NGOs and other groups has been proposed.

Test fishing and tag-recapture trials continued in Malawi during the reporting period. The sub-project, which aims at elaboration of assessment methods for fishery yield parameters and management, will be finalized in June 1994. Approximately 1400 fish were tagged during the year and 200 have so far been recaptured. Field work and initial data processing are carried out by staff of the Fisheries Department in Malawi.

Field activities have been finalized for the sub-project in Eastern Province, Zambia and a final report based on test fishing, creel surveys, and socio-economic studies is being prepared. The sub-project found heavy overfishing on the tilapia stocks and significant underfished stocks of the small cyprinid Barbus paludinosus. The market and consumption preference is for larger species such as tiliapias. Licenced itinerant fishers using beach seines take most of the catch at small reservoirs, limiting the benefit to surrounding communities whose fishers mainly use hook and line. A mechanism is needed for local management which would be facilitated by a review of fisheries regulations. In addition, several methods to catch the small barbus were tried without success and more work is needed in this area.

Activities in Zimbabwe have focused on community-based management of small water bodies, fish stocking strategies, economic feasibility of cage culture, fish culture in large sewage ponds and control of schistosoma-carrying snails by malacophagous fish.

4 Development Support

Seven specific activities were planned for the year. Progress was constrained by the separation of the Senior Planning Officer and the budgetary constraints faced in the second half of the year.

The compilation of information on national economic and legal environments for aquaculture and small water bodies fisheries was postponed.

Assistance was rendered by ALCOM's Senior Aquaculturist to FAO's Regular Programme and participating countries for the Study on International Fisheries Research (SIFR). The assistance comprised supervision of four author's contracts in SADC countries, analysis and synthesis of country papers together with FAO consultants, and organization of the 2nd Session of the CIFA Working Party on Aquaculture where the SIFR report was presented and reviewed.

ALCOM's Socio-economist organised and led a mission to assist the SADC Coordinating Unit for Marine Fisheries and Resources in the preparation of a programme for marine and brackishwater aquaculture. The mission, which included representatives of the SADC Sector Coordinating Unit for Marine Fisheries amd Resource and SWEDMAR, visited Namibia, Mozambique and Tanzania. A draft report was prepared and submitted to FAO for clearance and to the SADC Coordinating Unit for review. The final report will be submitted only after the mission has covered Angola, anticipated in 1994.

A study on wetlands and coastal zone management in relation to aquaculture was not initiated and will not be undertaken during the current phase of ALCOM.

Assistance to member countries upon request for the identification and preparation of projects for aquaculture or small water bodies fisheries development was limited. Discussions were held with Agritex in Zimbabwe on a project for intensification of fish production, and a draft Project outline was prepared. Assistance was provided to the Department of Fisheries in Zambia to prepare a project document and workplan for funding of fish farming extension activities by the World Bank-financed Zambia Agriculture Research and Extension Project.

A mission to review the feasibility of inland small-scale aquaculture and utilization of small water bodies in Namibia was undertaken in May. A draft report with project ideas was prepared and submitted to FAO and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Namibia in July.

A review of the project Rehabilitation of Homestead Ponds in Swaziland was postponed.

5 Meetings

All eight planned meetings were held as scheduled.

A meeting of regional experts on gender-related information needs for planning and project design was held in Mazvikadei, Zimbabwe, 18 – 22 January.

The Technical Consultation on the Enhancement of Small Water Body Fisheries in Southern Africa, with 50 participants from within and outside the region, was held in Harare 25 – 29 January.

The Sixth Steering Committee Meeting was held in Maputo 16 – 19 February with participation from nine SADC countries, Sweden and Belgium as donors, and FAO as the executing agency. The SADC Sector Coordinating Units in Malawi and Namibia and ICLARM participated as observers.

A National Workshop on aquaculture extension was held in Mansa, Luapula Province of Zambia, 15 – 18 March 1993. Fisheries Department staff from all provinces and staff of other aquaculture projects participated.

ALCOM assisted in the organization and preparation of the Second Session of the CIFA Working Party on Aquaculture, which was held in Harare 13 – 17 September.

The Working Group on the Future of ALCOM met in Harare 25 – 27 October to finalize its report “Aquaculture into the 21st Century in Southern Africa”, to be presented to the Seventh Steering Committee Meeting in February 1994.

ALCOM's Management Working Group met in Harare 28 – 29 October for review of progress and preparations for the Seventh Steering Committee Meeting.

A workshop on Fishery Credit Development for Eastern and Southern Africa was held in Harare 15 – 19 November. It was attended by 31 participants from 14 countries (mainly representing fisheries administrations and financial institutions), and staff from FAO Rome, the FAO Regional Office for Africa, and ALCOM.

Appendix 3

II PROGRESS REPORT ON ACTION PROGRAMME SUB-PROJECTS, 1993

This section reports the detailed achievements of each sub-project against activities and targets specified in the Work Plan for 1993 as endorsed by the Sixth Steering Committee Meeting.

Action Programme 1: Institutions for aquaculture extension

Objective: The immediate objective is fish farming techniques adapted to local conditions.

The output of sub-project activities are:

• fish farming techniques which are proven to work on small-scale rural farms
• technical packages for extension
• trained fish farming extension workers

Description: The sub-project resolved the immediate technical problems for small-scale subsistence fish farmers and then focussed on preparing extension packages. It was finalized in April and was followed by a sub-project to strengthen extension services in several provinces, including Luapula (see EXT/ZAM).

Objective: The immediate 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 outputs of sub-project activities are:

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

Description: Sub-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 has been adopted by the Department of Fisheries. All outputs have been achieved.

Since 1990 modest and long-term technical and material support has been provided to the Department of Fisheries, Eastern Province, to apply this fish farming extension method. Since 1991 there has been a rapid expansion of fish farming activities among market-oriented farmers, and the extension method has been adapted to serve these farmers. Collaboration with other provincial institutions has been initiated. This sub-project was finalized in April and was followed by a project to strengthen extension services in several provinces, including Eastern Province (see EXT/ZAM).

Objective: The immediate objective is strengthened fish farming extension services provided by institutions serving rural farmers in Central, Eastern and Luapula Provinces.

The expected outputs are:

• extension packages prepared for rural fish farming
• Department of Fisheries field staff trained as aquaculture trainers and extensionists
• fish farming incorporated into the Department of Agriculture T&V extension system
• Department of Fisheries fish farming support units established
• tilapia fingerlings produced and distributed in the project area
• fish farming information service and extension monitoring system designed and implemented.

Description: Fish culture techniques for rural subsistence farmers are proven for Zambia. An extension method to transmit these techniques to rural farmers in the context of their farming practices has been demonstrated in Eastern Province. There is good potential for the expansion and improvement of fish farming practices by rural farmers in Central, Eastern and Luapula Provinces. This project will strengthen local extension institutions (Government and non-government) and their services to deliver information on fish culture techniques to farmers.

Remarks: The Department of Fisheries works closely with the Department of Agriculture and ZAREP, the Zambia Agricultural Research and Extension Project, in planning and implementing its field activities. The sub-project was submitted for funding by FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme in 1994.

Objective: The immediate objective is to establish fish culture as a viable farming activity in the family farming sector of Manica Province.

The expected output of sub-project activities are:

• improved fingerling production and distribution capacity
• fish culture integrated into existing agriculture extension services
• farmers practising productive fish culture techniques
• improved exploitation of small reservoirs

Description: During 1990, ALCOM assisted the Fish Culture Department to train its medium-level technicians in extension and trainers training methods. This project, which started in the first quarter 1993, will assist the Department to develop the family-sector fish culture potential of Manica Province through improved extension services.

Remarks: The Department of Fish Culture works closely with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and MARRP, the Mozambique Agricultural Rural Reconstruction Programme, in planning and implementing its field activities. The sub-project was submitted for funding by FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme in 1994.

Action Programme 2: Institutions for development planning, communication and information

The Action Programme encompasses activities related to

• strengthening of institutions for fisheries planning
• strengthening of institutions for development support communication
• strengthening of institutions for storage and dissemination of data and information, and
• ALCOM's regular information service.

The present funding level does not permit the implementation of the whole programme. Until additional funding is secured activities will be limited to ALCOM's regular information activities.

Description: The main elements of the Information Service are technical reports on ALCOM-supported activities, the newsletter, ALCOM News, which disseminates information on aquaculture development within and outside the SADC region, and the library, which functions as a resource centre for aquaculture development in the region.

Remarks: The following additional activities have taken place:

• Training: Two students in mass communication from the Harare Polytechnic were attached to ALCOM for six weeks each and trained in their respective fields. Six students in library science from Harare Polytechnic did practical training in the library. ALCOM's librarian trained the librarian at the FAO Representation in Harare on the use of computerized library systems.

• Publicity: Short reports on various aspects of ALCOM work appeared in the press in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A press briefing on the credit workshop organized by ALCOM in Harare in co-operation with the FAO headquarters generated two news stories. The article on seaweed in Alcom News No 11 aroused much interest.

• At the UN day exhibition held in Harare on October 23, ALCOM put up a photo display as part of the FAO stall, and assisted in the preparation of a supplement in the local daily, The Herald, on the work of the United Nations in Zimbabwe.

Action Programme 3: Diversification of rural economies through aquaculture

Objective: To assess and test the feasibility of introducing Chinese carps for improved fish production and aquatic vegetation control.

The expected outputs are:

• determination of potential environmental impact
• evaluation of known Chinese carp culture practices in relation to farming and fisheries production
• methods for artificial spawning of Chinese carps

Description: The project has four phases:

• importation of Chinese carp fingerlings. Three species were imported during 1992; silver carp, bighead carp, and grass carp
• evaluation of environmental impact
• 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.
• test of polyculture in ponds with farmers, stocking of reservoirs, monitoring of the results and the establishments of an extension system

A preliminary evaluation of environmental and ecological impacts was carried out during a consultancy in October/November 1992 and further elaborated in 1993.

Remarks: The consultancy on the environmental aspects of Chinese carps concluded that it is unlikely that Chinese carps will establish wild populations in southern Africa. The study used the framework of the ICES/EIFAC Codes of Practice and Manual of Procedures for Consideration of Introduction and Transfer of Marine and Freshwater Organisms. The revised sub-project started in September with the design and initial construction work on spawning tanks.

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

The expected outputs 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 sub-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 sub-project activities. Long-term on-station and on-farm trials were planned to be implemented on a selective basis at various sites in the region, and the results made available for use in extension programmes.

Remarks: The drought and other factors (predation and/or theft) affected the trials. No further activities are planned for this present phase.

Objective: Feasibility of semi-intensive aquaculture investigated and tested in selected regions in Tanzania.

The expected outputs of the projects are:

• reports on factors critical to the adoption and viability of semi-intensive fish farmers
• semi-intensive aquaculture extension packages
• high quality tilapia and clarias fingerlings
• lecture course on BSc Animal Science at Sokoine University
• project document for application of results

Description: Semi-intensive aquaculture is being practised in some areas of Tanzania. The conditions under which such practices have a comparative advantage over other on-farm activities need to be determined to enable specified extension packages to be developed.

Remarks: Sub-project activities 3 and 4 had to be postponed until 1994 due to the delayed arrival of the Aquaculturist (APO) who took up her post in Morogoro in mid-December.

Objective: Methods for economic assessment of small-scale rural aquaculture integrated with farming systems

The expected outputs:

• documented economic feasibility of rice-cum-fish in Luapula Province, Zambia.
• documented economic feasibility of selected integrated fish farming systems.
• documented economic feasibility of small-scale rural aquaculture.
• a set of economic indicators to monitor aquaculture development.

Description: The activity is integrated into other ongoing and planned sub-projects and focuses on the economic feasibility of different forms of aquaculture in the region.

Data will be collected and reviewed and economic analysis carried out for other combinations of crop-fish and crop-livestock-fish farming. The analysis will also address the cost/benefit of using available supplementary fish feeds.

Objective: Improved access to market information for fish farmers in the SADC region

The expected outputs are:

• database on markets, prices, suppliers and health and hygiene requirements for cultured fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
• market information regularly disseminated to interested parties in the SADC region.

Description: The activity will review the market information requirements through interviews with farmers, potential farmers, exporters, wholesalers and retailers. Based on the review, a collection system will be established, if possible supporting existing or planned marketing information systems in the region. A database will be set up which will be regularly updated and information disseminated to the identified users. Links will be established with Infopeche and Infofish.

Remarks: Limited progress due to limited staff time allocated to this sub-project in 1993.

Objective: Private fingerling production in selected areas and their socio-economic and technical feasibility demonstrated.

The expected outputs are:

• at least 10 private fingerling production centres in selected areas.
• extension material for the promotion of private fingerling production.

Description: Fingerling needs will be assessed in selected areas, including information on quantity, seasonality, price levels and transport possibilities. Pilot farmers will be identified for trials to establish economic and technical feasibility and trials implemented. The trials will be closely monitored and results documented. Based on the trials, extension packages will developed and field tested.

Remarks: No action initiated during the reporting period. Training of private fingerling producers started under EXT/ZAM and activities will be coordinated with that sub-project.

Action Programme 4: Utilization of small water bodies for fisheries and aquaculture

Objective: The immediate objective is a method and national capacity to evaluate the overall production and environmental impact of using indigenous and introduced species in reservoir fisheries and aquaculture in SADC countries.

The expected outputs are:

• inventory of indigenous and exotic fish species currently found in small reservoirs and used in aquaculture in the SADC region, including histories of transfers and introductions
• reports for selected countries on the suitability of indigenous and exotic species for reservoir fisheries and aquaculture
• guidelines for the transfer and introduction of fish species in the region
• key national officers trained to monitor and evaluate species transfers and introductions in the context of the International Convention on Biodiversity.

Description: The composition of fish species in reservoirs and ponds is manipulated for many reasons, e.g better growth, higher yield and consumer preference. The transfer or introduction of new species can also have negative impacts on the aquatic environment. Practical guidelines to assess and balance the positive and negative impacts are needed for SADC countries.

Remarks: The exact dates of the technical consultation will be fixed once sufficient funding is confirmed.

Objective: The immediate objective is to test and demonstrate fishing methods to increase the production of fish from small water bodies.

The outputs are:

• fisheries-related inventory of small dams in south eastern Botswana
• inventory of fish species composition and density on selected dams
• description of socio-economic characteristics of selected reservoir communities, and participatory determination of their interest in reservoir fisheries
• improved fishing methods and gear appropriate to the fishery and local community
• fishery management strategies for small dams
• economic analysis of markets for fish from small dams
• Fisheries Section staff trained in small dam fishery assessment, exploitation and management methods.

Description: Information on physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of fisheries has been gathered and evaluated for seven small dams. Strong indigenous fish populations have been found and constraints to local fishing and fish consumption have been identified. Fishery development efforts focus on testing and introducing appropriate fishery exploitation by selected local communities.

Remarks: The sub-project was finalized in April 1993. ALCOM's Aquaculturist (APO) finished his assignment in May 1993. Due to the absence of key fisheries staff on training 1993–94, and the fact that UNDP will not fund the project BOT/94/003, further activities are limited to maintaining the small water body inventory.

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

The expected outputs are:

• inventory of small water bodies for selection by size class in 7 lowland districts.
• stock assessment method adapted to reservoirs in Lesotho.
• fishery development and management options for each size class of reservoir.
• stimulation of small-scale entrepreneurs to exploit small reservoirs fisheries through fisheries enhancements, introduction of improved gears and demonstration of economic viability.

Description: A fishing survey initiated in mid-1991 documented the seasonal hook and line fisheries on one reservoir, the only type of fishing currently allowed in Lesotho. The sub-project will develop the fisheries of each of three size classes of reservoirs by stimulating entrepreneurial fishing through gear development, training of fishermen, stocking where necessary, and regulation.

Remarks: The sub-project will be finalized in its present form in March 1994. The final report will propose management options on the basis of socio-economic surveys, creel surveys, test fishing and a reservoir inventory. A national seminar to discuss the findings with governmental institutions, NGO's and other groups has been proposed for early 1994. The final report on the sub-project will be prepared for publication March/April 1994.

Objective: The immediate objective is to develop a fisheries assessment method for use in appraising small reservoir fishery yield parameters and potential management.

The expected outputs are:

• fish and water sampling protocols to collect fishery and limnological data on selected reservoirs.
• fishery and limnological database for establishing the relationship between limnological parameters and productivity.
• selectivity of multimesh gillnets to Oreochromis shiranus chilwae.
• Fisheries Department staff trained in collecting and evaluating data to relate limnological parameters to productivity.

Description: This collaborative project among the Malawi Fisheries Department, ALCOM and ICLARM addresses critical fishery and limnology assessment issues relating to sampling and yield prediction. The results will be used in Malawi and in other small reservoir fishery assessment. This project started in January 1992 and will be finished in June 1994.

Remarks: The project will be finalised in its present form during 1994. Follow-up activities in Malawi will be determined during the first half of 1994. A supporting study on the possible role of alarm substances in the regulation of growth in O. shiranus was initiated and completed during May. Report in preparation. The ALCOM Aquaculturist finished his assignment in Malawi at the end of June 1993. Sampling and analysis are carried out by Department of Fisheries staff with technical backstopping through bi-monthly visits from ALCOM, Harare.

Objective: The immediate objective is to improve the production of fish from reservoirs benefiting local communities through exploitation and management.

The expected outputs are:

• inventory of small water bodies.
• inventory of fish species (composition, densities, etc) on selected reservoirs.
• underfished reservoirs identified and fishing introduced.
• introduction of and/or improvements in fishing methods and gears.
• method to harvest Barbus paludinosis and study on impact of the gear on other species.
• study on the potential market for reservoir fish.
• extension material on mitigating water-borne diseases.

Description: There is a high demand for fish in Eastern Province, and improved reservoir fishing and management could help satisfy this demand. 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. This project started in November 1989.

Remarks: The sub-project is being reviewed and reformulated, including an analysis of results from the inventory, test fishing, creel survey, socio-economic survey, and studies on the adjacent Luangwa Valley fisheries and the ubiquitous small cyprinid Barbus paludinosus. Follow-up management options will be formulated.

Methods for Reservoir Fisheries Development ZIM 1

Objective: The immediate objective is the development of a rapid fisheries assessment method for community based small reservoir fisheries management resulting in increased fish production.

The expected outputs are:

• method to estimate production potential in small reservoirs (over 100 ha).
• method for monitoring fishing effort on small reservoirs.
• procedure to collect and evaluate socio-economic data needed for decision making on community-based fisheries management interventions.
• guidelines to classify reservoirs
• elaboration of community based fishery management strategies.

Description: Zimbabwe has over 10 000 man-made reservoirs on communal land, commercial farming land and State land. Little consideration has been given to community-based fisheries management. This sub-project is aimed at testing and demonstrating an improved rapid fisheries assessment method that incorporates traditional fishing gear and community-based fisheries management in communal areas.

Remarks: The sub-project ZIM 1 will be completed in its present form in September 1994.

Enhancement of Fish Production in Small Water Bodies ZIM 2

Objectives: The immediate objective is to increase fish production from selected reservoirs.

The expected outputs are:

• a demonstration of feasibility of fishery enhancement in reservoirs ranging from 100 – 2000 ha,
• development of guidelines for further application of enhancement interventions.

Description: Most reservoirs are already being fished. Fisheries enhancements other than initial stocking of new reservoirs have not been tried. The sub-project seeks to test and demonstrate methods of fish enhancement for small reservoirs that benefit surrounding communities. The interventions will tap the results of the rapid fisheries appraisal methods developed in SWB/ZIM 1.

Remarks: ALCOM's Ecologist (APO) has prepared a desk study on aquaculture in sewage water and will initiate trials in large sewage ponds on a private farm in 1994. Trials were planned on the effectiveness of Serranochromis codringtonii in controlling schistosoma-carrying snails.