APPENDICES (continued)

Appendix 4

Work Plan
1994

1 INTRODUCTION

The Work Plan for 1994, endorsed by the 7th Steering Committee Meeting, implements the Action Programmes as approved by the 6th Steering Committee meeting and initiated in 1993 within the funding available.

The indicative funding for 1994 is:

The level of funding for 1994 does not allow full implementation of all Action Programmes as originally envisaged. Furthermore, Phase II of ALCOM, originally planned to run three years from October 1992 to September 1995, will now end in December 1994. Action Programme results will be documented by year-end and activities will either be completed or proposed for carryover into the next phase.

2 ACTION PROGRAMMES

This workplan gives overall objectives, outputs and activity areas for each Action Programme, as follows:

Action Programme 1: Institutions for aquaculture extension

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

Action Programme 3: Diversification of rural economies through aquaculture

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

2.1 Action Programme 1: Institutions for aquaculture extension

The Action Programme is funded under TCP/RAF/2380(T), Technical Cooperation Programme funding from FAO for Mozambique and Zambia.

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:

• aquaculture trainers and extensionists;
• fish farming extension through agriculture extension system;
• fish farming support units;
• fingerling production and distribution;
• fish farming information service and extension monitoring system.

Description: This sub-project implements, for three high-potential fish farming areas, the extension methods developed under two previous pilot projects in Zambia. It also will facilitate the incorporation of fish farming extension in the agricultural extension system of Zambia.

Activities/Targets 1994

1. Hold two local one-week courses on aquaculture extension and trainers' training.

2. Conduct a two-week study tour by road to Malawi and Mozambique for three key provincial aquaculture extension staff.

3. Hold three aquaculture awareness seminars for agricultural and rural development leaders.

4. Assign Department of Fisheries Aquaculturists and Fisheries Assistants to act as aquaculture subject matter specialists for the agriculture extension system at provincial and district levels.

5. Include aquaculture as a topic in at least two regular in-service training courses for agriculture and other field extension workers.

6. Incorporate fish farming messages into the regular agriculture extension visits.

7. Establish aquaculture extension support units at Department of Fisheries offices.

8. Provide information and technical assistance to specialized fish farmers identified through the agriculture extension system.

9. Provide broodstock and produce fingerlings at three Government fish farms.

10. Identify key farmers/ organizations for fingerling production and establish pilot non-government fingerling production units.

11. Hold one course in each province to train selected farmers on fingerling production and distribution.

12. Design and implement a fish farming/extension reporting and monitoring system for work planning/monitoring at provincial level and for reporting to Department of Fisheries headquarters.

13. Train participating extension staff to use the reporting and monitoring system system.

14. Design and produce locally on a quarterly basis the newsletter “Zambia Fish Farmer”

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

The expected outputs of pilot 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, is assisting the Department to develop the family-sector fish culture potential of Manica Province through improved extension services.

Activities/Targets 1994

1. Conduct a two-week study tour by road to Malawi and Zambia for the two medium-level technicians based in Manica Province.

2. Hold one aquaculture awareness seminar for agricultural and rural development leaders.

3. Assign two Department of Fish Culture medium-level technicians to act as aquaculture subject matter specialists at the provincial level.

4. Include aquaculture as a topic in at least two regular in-service training courses for agriculture and other field extension workers.

5. Incorporate fish farming messages into the regular agriculture extension visits.

6. Prepare and produce fish farming extension materials, based on materials previously developed in Zambia, in the Portuguese and Shona languages.

7. Establish aquaculture extension support units at Department of Fish Culture offices.

8. Provide information and technical assistance to specialized fish farmers identified through the agriculture extension system.

9. Provide broodstock and produce fingerlings at one Government fish farm in the project area.

10. Identify key farmers/organizations for fingerling production and establish at least one pilot non-government fingerling production unit.

11. Hold one course to train selected farmers on fingerling production and distribution.

12. Design and implement a fish farming/extension reporting and monitoring system for work planning/monitoring at provincial level and for reporting to Department of Fish Culture headquarters.

13. Train participating extension staff to use the reporting and monitoring system system.

14. Design and produce locally on a quarterly basis the newsletter “Mozambique Fish Farmer”.

2.2 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, funded under GCP/INT/555/SWE, core funding from Sweden.

Description: The main elements in the information service are technical reports on ALCOM supported activities, the newsletter, ALCOM News, aiming at dissemination of information on aquaculture development in and outside the SADC-region, and the library as a resource centre in the region.

2.3 Action Programme 3: Diversification of rural economies through aquaculture

Funding through GCP/INT/555/SWE, core funding from Sweden.

Objective: An evaluation of the technical and socio-economic feasibility of the introduction of Chinese carps for improved fish production and aquatic weed control in Mozambique.

The expected outputs of the sub-project are:

• Chinese carp artificially spawned and Labeo rosa spawned at Mapapa Fish Culture Station
• Report comparing the results of Chinese grass carp in aquatic weed control in irrigation canals of the SIREMO Irrigation Scheme.
• Report of on-station trials with Chinese carp and an indigenous cyprinid, Labeo rosa to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each species for fish culture in Mozambique.
• Report on the economic and social feasibility of commercial culture of Chinese carp compared to other indigenous culture species.
• Proposal for follow-up action.

Description: The sub-project, based at SIREMO Irrigation Scheme, will test the feasibility of using Chinese carps to control aquatic vegetation in the irrigation canals and make economic comparisons of this method to mechanical methods currently being used. The sub-project will also rear Chinese carps in a polyculture system to assess the social and economic feasibility of these systems for Mozambique, given the current status of aquaculture. Culture trials of an indigenous cyprinid will also be undertaken and the results compared with Chinese carps.

Activities/Targets 1994

1. Construct hatchery and spawning tank according to plans held at Department of Fish Culture.

2. Produce Chinese carp fingerlings by December 1994.

3. Clear sections of irrigation canals of vegetation and screen to prevent movement of fish between different sections.

4. Stock grass carp fingerlings in some of the cleared and screened off sections of the irrigation canals.

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, initiated 1993.
• 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 practises have a comparative advantage over one other on-farm activity need to be determined to enable specific extension packages to be developed.

Activities/Targets 1994

1. Prepare draft extension protocols for semi-intensive fish farming.

2. Using participatory methods, identify at least ten farmers for on-farm trials in Morogoro and/or Ruvuma regions.

3. Design, carry out and monitor on farm trials, including the collection of economic data.

4. At the end of first production cycle, prepare draft extension packages.

5. Assist with lectures and practicals for BSc Animal Science aquaculture curriculum at Sokoine University.

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

The expected outputs:

• documented economic feasibility of rice-cum-fish in Luapula Province, Zambia, completed in 1993.
• 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 will be integrated into other ongoing and planned sub-projects and focus on the economic feasibility of different forms of aquaculture in the region. Data will be collected and reviewed and economic analysis carried out for combinations of crop-fish and crop-livestock-fish farming. The analysis will also address the cost/benefit of using available supplementary fish feeds.

Activities/Targets 1994

1. Review of available literature on economics of small scale aquaculture and integrated farming systems applicable in Southern Africa. Based in this review prepare checklist for information/data required for economic analysis.

2. Design methodology framework for collection of data/information for economic analyses to be used initially by the sub-project REC/URT.

3. Initiation of field studies in Tanzania in collaboration with the sub-project REC/URT.

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.

Activities 1994

1. Continue collection of export regulations for all SADC countries, compilation of information.

2. Continue collection of import regulations for major fish importing countries.

3. Carry out a study of fish marketing in Zimbabwe with particular emphasis on imports of fish from Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.

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 be developed and field tested.

The sub-project will be closely linked with EXT/ZAM during 1994.

Activities/Targets 1994

1. Assessment of fingerling requirements of fish farmers in selected target areas.

2. Identification of farmers willing to become fingerling producers.

3. Identification of areas in SADC region where trials could be established.

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

The Action Project is funded under GCP/RAF/277/BEL.

Since 1993 the sub-projects have been revised to focus on assessment, management and enhancement interventions, based on conclusions and recommendations by the Technical Consultation on Enhancement of Small Water Body Fisheries in Southern Africa (January 1993).

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 or being tested 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 the establishment of a regional database of information on small reservoirs describing physical, biological and economic characteristics and estimating fish production potential.

The expected outputs are:

• framework for regional inventory of small reservoirs.
• physical and biological data compiled for small reservoirs.
• catch data compiled for small reservoirs.
• methods to assess the economics of small reservoir exploitation.
• estimates of small reservoir fish production potential.

Description: The Technical Consultation on the Enhancement of Small Water Body Fisheries in Southern Africa found that knowledge about fishery resources, fishery yield potential and status of fisheries for small reservoirs was insufficient to make predictions of potential fish production. The technical consultation recommended that ALCOM fill these information needs as a prelude to work on fishery enhancements and management. During 1993, the database framework was designed, information was gathered from existing national inventories, and a report on the theoretical aspects of the economics of small reservoir fishery exploitation was prepared. The assessment activities are coordinated and given more emphasis by this new sub-project.

Remarks: Selected field activities will be coordinated with existing sub-projects (Lesotho, Malawi, Zimbabwe) and carried out in Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.

Objective: The immediate objective is to increase fish production from existing small reservoirs benefiting 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 carried out 1991/92 documented the seasonal hook and line fisheries on one reservoir, the only type of fishing currently allowed in Lesotho. A physical inventory of all reservoirs was completed in 1993, and a biological inventory of a sample of each size class of reservoir was initated in the same year. The project will propose fish production strategies for each of three size classes of reservoirs by the end of the first quarter. Plans for further activities will then be discussed with the Fisheries Section.

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.

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 > 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.
• a demonstration of feasibility of fishery enhancement in reservoirs ranging from 100 – 2 000 ha,
• development of guidelines for further application of enhancement interventions.

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 pilot 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.

3. WORK PLAN - OTHER FUNCTIONS

Three activities are planned for 1994:

1. The mission to assist the SADC Coordinating Unit for Marine Fisheries and Resources in preparation of a programme for marine and brackishwater aquaculture, initiated in 1993 with visits to Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania, will be completed with a field visit to Angola. The final report will be prepared and submitted to SADC.

2. Technical advice will be provided to the Strategy on International Fisheries Research in the elaboration of aquaculture research action plans in the region.

3. Assistance will be given to member countries upon request for the identification and preparation of projects for aquaculture or small water body fisheries development.

The following ALCOM meetings are planned for 1994:

1. 7th Steering Committee Meeting, February 1994, Namibia.

2. Technical consultation on Species for Small Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture in Southern Africa, second half 1994, Zambia.

3. Annual Meeting of the Management Working Group, October 1994, Harare

An evaluation is called for by ALCOM's Phase II Plan of Operations. An evaluation mission is proposed for the second quarter of 1994 to examine the experiences and results of the ALCOM programme to date. Its findings and recommendations will help all parties concerned to have a better insight into the impact of results achieved as well as the technical aspects requiring improvement. The mission will particularly examine the sustainability of achievements. In the light of its findings, the mission will advise on the need for further assistance and make recommendations for follow-up.

Draft Terms of Reference have been drawn up for an evaluation mission comprising one representative each from Sweden, Belgium, FAO and the SADC Sub-Committee on Fisheries.

4. STAFF

4.1 International Professional Staff, Harare

• Programme Director (post vacant from 1.1.94)
• Senior Aquaculturist
• Socio-economist
• Information Officer
• Small Reservoir Fisheries Officer

4.2 National Professional Staff

• Fisheries Officer (Zimbabwe)
• Librarian (Zimbabwe)
• Socio-economist (Tanzania)

4.3 Associate Professional Officers