Appendix 5
WORK PLAN 1995

1 INTRODUCTION

The Working Group on the Future of ALCOM, appointed by the Steering Committee in 1992, analyzed the status and trends in aquaculture in the region. In its 1994 report it identified development needs in four areas:

1. Continued development and promotion of fish culture methods for small-holder farmers, including demonstration of the feasibility of semi-intensive fish farming systems for the existing small-scale fish farmers. The needs relate to social, economic and environmental aspects of culture systems with respect to farming practices, markets and marketing channels, pond management, selection of species, fingerling production, and feeds and fertilizers.

2. Utilization of small water bodies, where the needs are methods for enhancement of production (habitat improvements, stocking, pen and cage culture systems), and management methods.

3. Small-scale mariculture, for which planning, applied research on site selection, species and culture systems, and product development are required.

4. Aquaculture institutions, which need strengthening in planning, project formulation and implementation, documentation and information, and extension.

The Seventh Steering Committee Meeting (Namibia, February 1994) recommended that the ALCOM Core Programme should continue to address the original objectives of providing for the development and dissemination of aquaculture methods relevant to a broad base of rural farmers. The more specialized elements should be formulated as separate but complementary projects which build on the fundamental groundwork of the core programme.

The independent evaluation of ALCOM, which reviewed in May/June 1994 the results of the programme, also recommended that it focus on the development and dissemination of methodologies for small-holder aquaculture integrated with farming practices, and small reservoir fisheries. These correspond with the first two development needs as described above.

The project document for ALCOM Phase III lays out the objectives, outputs and activities for the whole ALCOM programme. Its intermediate/immediate objectives are:

• the adoption in rural communities of appropriate fish culture practices, introduced, promoted and supported through nationally or internationally funded local institutions concerned with rural development and integrated into local farming systems;

• the provision of fish culture methods and systems which have been tested and demonstrated in pilot projects to be technically, economically and socially appropriate for the target communities identified; and,

• reinforcement of national and local development institutions for sustained promotion among small-holder farmers of the fish culture methods and systems developed under the programme.

The whole programme consists of:

• the core programme financed by Sweden, which directly addresses the intermediate/ immediate objectives of the whole programme; and,

• complementary specialized projects, specifically “Utilization of small water bodies for aquaculture and fisheries” financed by Belgium, and “Strengthening of aquaculture institutions” for which a donor has not yet been identified. These complementary projects contribute to the attainment of the development objective of the whole programme.

The main donor Sweden has indicated that it will finance the core programme of ALCOM Phase III for two years, from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1996, at a funding level of SEK 5 million per year (equivalent to an indicative amount of US$ 653,705 for 1995), as project GCP/INT/555/SWE, with certain special conditions:

• the management functions of the programme should be strengthened and a Programme Manager should be appointed;

• Swedish supported pilot activities should be concentrated and include ongoing pilot projects in the following three countries: Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania;

• the regional framework for the programme's institutional network, seminars and exchange of experiences should continuously cover the whole of SADC, including its new member South Africa;

• the eight target areas (excluding small water bodies, covered by a specialized project funded by Belgium) identified in the project document should be integrated into pilot project design and training programmes and not treated separately, one by one; these are:

  aquaculture and farming systems,
  methods to collect information for project planning and design,
  extension methods and training,
  environmental aspects of aquaculture,
  women and youth in aquaculture development,
  aquaculture and human nutrition,
  information services, and
  development support;

• based on the given target areas, Swedish-supported pilot activities should be focused on extensive systems within local farming practices based on finding optimal use of locally available inputs (intensification should be sought through diversification of crops and animals and avoid promoting mono-culture systems for small-holders);

• a detailed work plan for 1995 should, together with a budget for the whole programme including expected contributions from SADC and member countries, be presented well before the Steering Committee Meeting in February 1995;

• to the extent recommended through the preparatory work, the work plan for 1996, to be prepared in the latter half of 1995, should be able to accommodate an integration of suitable activities of ALCOM within the framework of a new Swedish-supported programme for development of methods to improve conditions for small-holder farmers in Southern Africa; and,

• a review of the programme and its performance will be carried out during the second quarter of 1996.

The small water bodies project runs through September 1997, as project GCP/RAF/277/BEL, with an indicative funding level of US$ 494,940 from Belgium for 1995. A revised work plan covering two years and eight months has been prepared based on the evaluation mission (see ALCOM Phase III Project Document, Annex IV.a)

The FAO-financed Technical Cooperation Programme project for Mozambique and Zambia in 1994, project TCP/RAF/2380 Support to Aquaculture Training and Extension, was not able to attain its objective due to delays in implementation in Mozambique. FAO has approved a nine-month extension of the project, through September 1995. The funds remaining to be spent amount to US$ 186,766.

FAO and SADC will continue to seek donor support for the project to strengthen institutions.

Therefore, the ALCOM's indicative donor funding level for 1995 is US$ 1,335,411, comprising:

2 PLANNING FRAMEWORK

The 1995 ALCOM Work Plan implements the core programme and revised work plan of the small water bodies project. The elements of the 1995 work plan are:

• The management, administration and information services of the core programme, which link it to the small water bodies project.

• Innovative and practical pilot projects and activities, in which the core programme and small water bodies project take the same approach to developing methodologies.

Expected indicators of impact, outputs, activities and inputs for the three immediate objectives of the core programme and three immediate objectives of the small water bodies project during 1995 are presented.

2.1 Indicators of Impact

Overall indicators of impact, based on the programme's design, are:

• Local institutions promoting fish culture integrated into local farming systems

• Farmers practising fish culture integrated into local farming systems

• Cost-effective fisheries management and enhanced fish production from small reservoir

• Fish seed available from private fingerling producers

  Capability (by development institutions) to assess how farmers and communities benefit from aquaculture, showing:

  increased cash income at household level by fish production; and,

  increased animal protein intake at household and community level by fish farmers and fishing communities.

2.2 Core Programme (GCP/INT/555/SWE)

2.2.1 Regional activities

The core programme's first immediate objective, to be attained at a regional level, is:

1. Administration and management of the whole programme and increased awareness about aquaculture development issues, potentials and limitations in the member countries and in the region.

The work plan for attaining this objective comprises three outputs:

It is presented in Table 3. An indicative budget is found in Annex 3.

2.2.2 Pilot Projects

The core programme's second and third immediate objectives, to be attained through innovative and practical pilot projects, are:

2. Fish culture methodologies developed, tested and demonstrated and systems integrated with the farming system, which are technically, economically and socially appropriate for the target communities identified.

3. Increased support by national and local development institutions and farmers themselves for the sustained promotion among small-holder farmers of the fish culture methods and systems developed by the Programme.

Four sub-national pilot projects have been designed, using target areas and planning guidelines, to produce outputs which contribute to attainment of these objectives. Previous findings and issues in eight target areas (see Table 1), as defined in the ALCOM Project Document, are integrated into each pilot project. The guidelines are presented as checklists of elements or activities which should be incorporated or undertaken in the preparation and implementation of each pilot project (see Table 2).

The four pilot projects are:

The work plans for these pilot projects are presented in Annex 1. An indicative budget is found in Annex 3.

2.3 Small water bodies project

The three immediate objectives in the revised work plan for 1995–1997 are:

1. Methods for evaluation of small water body fisheries potential.

2. An assessment of the resources of small water bodies in the region and their fishery potential for local communities.

3. The provision of feasible methods and guidelines for enhancement and management of fish production in small water bodies by local communities.

One regional and four sub-national level pilot projects have been designed to produce outputs which contribute to attainment of these objectives. The overall outputs and objectives are given in the revised small water bodies work plan. The five pilot projects are:

The work plans for these pilot projects are presented in Annex 2. An indicative budget is found in Annex 3.

3 INPUTS

3.1 Professional staff

Staff inputs and allocations during 1995 are detailed in the indicative budgets in Annex 3.

Internationally-recruited ALCOM staff:

Nationally-recruited ALCOM staff are:

Nationally-contributed key staff are:

3.2 Indicative Budgets

Other inputs are specified in the donor and country budgets of each pilot project. Their costs are estimated in indicative budgets for donor-financed projects GCP/INT/555/SWE, GCP/RAF/277/BEL, and TCP/RAF/2380, and for the SADC countries (see Annex 3).

TABLE 1: Target areas. The eight target areas and previous findings/issues for integration into pilot projects.

TABLE 2: Guidelines for preparation of pilot projects (Core Programme - GCP/INT/555/SWE)

Immediate Objective 2: Fish culture methodologies developed, tested and demonstrated and systems integrated with the farming system, which are technically, economically and socially appropriate for the target communities identified.

Immediate Objective 3: Increased support by national and local development institutions and farmers themselves for the sustained promotion among small-holder farmers of the fish culture methods and systems developed by the Programme.

TABLE 3: Work plan for regional activities under Core Programme (GCP/INT/555/SWE)

Immediate Objective 1: Administration and management of the whole programme and increased awareness about aquaculture development issues, potentials and limitations in the member countries and in the region.

ANNEX 1: Work plans for pilot projects under Core Programme (GCP/INT/555/SWE)

ALCOM Core Programme (GCP/INT/555/SWE)

AQUACULTURE FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS, GAZA PROVINCE, MOZAMBIQUE

Introduction

Since 1990, ALCOM has assisted the Department of Fish Culture (RdP), Ministry of Agriculture, to develop appropriate fish farming and extension methods for Mozambique. Since 1992, ALCOM has funded the pilot project CAR/MOZ, Feasibility of the Introduction of Chinese Carps, in Gaza Province.

The Chinese carps introduced in 1991 were first successfully bred in 1993, with higher fecundity in 1994. Hatchery problems which limited the success rate in 1993 have been resolved. The pilot project has not produced planned outputs on weed control, comparative testing of species performance under local conditions, and a report on the economic and social feasibilty of carp culture in the project area. Without these outputs, the project is far from achieving its objective of evaluating the feasibility of introducing Chinese carps for improved fish production and aquatic weed control.

Due attention must be paid to the control and selective distribution of Chinese carp fingerlings. FAO has recommended that this species not be used north of the Limpopo River, and only in cases where farmers will actually benefit more than with indigenous species.

For the period 1995–1996, this pilot project will be incorporated into a new pilot project AQU/URT, Aquaculture for Small-Scale Farmers, Gaza Province, Mozambique, which will focus on those outputs and activities not already achieved and which conform with the framework of ALCOM Phase III. Activities in Gaza Province will be funded from project GCP/INT/555/SWE. The pilot project will initiate collaboration with SIREMO.

Objectives

1. Develop Chinese carp culture and improved fish farming techniques for small-scale farmers in Gaza Province.

2. Integrate improved fish farming techniques into existing agriculture extension systems.

First immediate objective: Develop Chinese carp culture and improved fish farming techniques for small-scale farmers in Gaza Province.

Second immediate objective: Integrate improved fish farming techniques into existing agriculture extension systems.

Notes:

• Supplies and materials purchased by ALCOM are FAO project equipment and as such will enjoy duty-free importation into Mozambique.
• Non-expendible equipment purchased by ALCOM remains the property of FAO/ALCOM.
• Project staff and equipment will operate from the fish culture stations, Chokwe.
• Local payments for ALCOM expenses will be made through the Department of Fish Culture through imprests from FAOR Maputo, charged against ALCOM's allotment advice at FAOR Maputo, according to an agreed spending plan.

ALCOM Core Programme (GCP/INT/555/SWE and TCP/RAF/2380)

IMPROVED AQUACULTURE FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS, MANICA PROVINCE, MOZAMBIQUE

Introduction

Since 1990, ALCOM has assisted the Department of Fish Culture, Ministry of Agriculture, to develop appropriate fish farming and extension methods for Mozambique. Since 1992, ALCOM has funded the pilot project EXT/MOZ, Fish Culture Extension for Manica Province.

Fish farming extension activities started in Manica Province during 1992. They gained momentum with cessation of civil war and the associated rural resettlement, and as a result of close collaboration with the agriculture extension services. Good progress has been made on attaining the planned outputs of improved fingerling production, fish culture integrated with agriculture extension services, and farmers practicing productive fish culture techniques. The pilot project is achieving its objective, to establish fish culture as a viable farming activity in Manica Province.

For the period 1995–1996, the pilot project will focus on those outputs and activities not already achieved and which conform with the framework of ALCOM Phase III. In particular, it will incorporate appropriate elements of the target areas on integration with farming systems, information collection, extension methods, environmental impact, gender issues and human nutrition. Activities in Manica Province will be funded in part from project TCP/RAF/2380 through September 1995, and from project GCP/INT/555/SWE. The pilot project will increase its collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, and MAARP.

Objectives

1. Develop improved tilapia and common carp culture techniques for small-scale farmers in Manica Province.

2. Integrate improved fish farming techniques into existing agriculture extension systems.

First immediate objective: Develop improved tilapia and common carp culture techniques for small-scale farmers in Manica Province.

Second immediate objective: Integrate improved fish farming techniques into existing agriculture extension systems.

Notes:

• Supplies and materials purchased by ALCOM are FAO project equipment and as such will enjoy duty-free importation into Mozambique.
• Non-expendible equipment purchased by ALCOM remains the property of FAO/ALCOM.
• Project staff and equipment will operate from the Provincial Veterinary Service, Chomoio, and Chizizira Fish Farm, Sussundenga.
• Local payments for ALCOM expenses will be made by the Aquaculturist (NPO) from imprests through ALCOM Harare, according to an agreed spending plan.

ALCOM Core Programme (GCP/INT/555/SWE)

SEMI-INTENSIVE AQUACULTURE FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN MOROGORO REGION, TANZANIA

Introduction

Since 1993, ALCOM has assisted the Fisheries Division, Ministry of Tourism, Natural Resources and Environment, to develop improved fish farming methods in Morogoro Region through the pilot project “Development of Semi-intensive Aquaculture” (REC/URT).

A study in 1993 identified three factors critical to the adoption and viability of small-scale semi-intensive fish farming: access to regular extension advice, access to inputs for feeding and fertilizing, and access to markets. Based on this study and ALCOM's experiences in Eastern Province, Zambia, the project drafted protocols for semi-intensive fish farming by small-scale farmers.

In 1994, the project surveyed six areas in Morogoro Region for technical and socio-economic suitability of small-scale semi-intensive fish farming. The survey identified 31 farmers in four of these areas who were interested and able to carry out trials of the proposed semi-intensive fish farming protocols. To facilitate the trials, ALCOM trained 18 local staff of the Fisheries Division, the Department of Agriculture and ALCOM in a two week course on the aquaculture extension method developed by ALCOM in Zambia.

For the period 1995–1996, the pilot project will focus its activities on those outputs not already achieved and which conform with the framework of ALCOM Phase III. In particular, it will incorporate appropriate elements of the target areas on integration with farming systems, information collection, extension methods, environmental impact, gender issues and human nutrition.

Objectives

• Develop viable semi-intensive fish farming techniques for small-scale farmers in Morogoro Region.

• Incorporate improved fish farming techniques into rural extension systems in Morogoro Region (agriculture, rural development, farmer-to-farmer).

First immediate objective: Develop viable semi-intensive fish farming techniques for small-scale farmers in Morogoro Region.

Second immediate objective: Incorporate improved fish farming techniques into rural extension systems in Morogoro Region (agriculture, rural development, farmer-to-farmer).

Notes:

• Supplies and materials purchased by ALCOM are FAO project equipment and as such will enjoy duty-free importation into Tanzania.
• Non-expendible equipment purchased by ALCOM (vehicle, computer/printer/modem, photocopier) remains the property of FAO/ALCOM.
• Project staff and equipment will operate from the Kingolwira Aquaculture Centre, Morogoro.
• Local payments for ALCOM expenses will be made by ALCOM staff based in Morogoro according to the agreed work plan, through imprests from FAOR Tanzania charged against ALCOM's allotment advice at FAOR Tanzania.

ALCOM Core Programme (GCP/INT/555/SWE)

IMPROVED AQUACULTURE FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS, EASTERN PROVINCE, ZAMBIA

Introduction

ALCOM has been active in Eastern Province since 1987. From 1987 to 1991, a participatory extension method was developed which delivered the information needed by small-scale farmers to decide on whether to take up fish farming and at what level of intensity. From 1992 to 1994, fish farming extension was integrated into the agriculture extension system. As a result, there are now nearly 700 farmers actively practising fish farming integrated with their other farming activities.

There are several weaknesses in fish farming development methods in Eastern Province which need further attention:

• Uneven collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and Department of Agriculture staff, which can be alleviated through training.

• Insufficient uptake and spread of private fingerling production.

• Unknown impact of fish farming on small-scale farmers and the effectiveness of the extension method: who benefits, what inhibits uptake by farmers who have the means, sustainability of current fish farming practices and the extension method.

• Low levels of fish pond productivity: improved production methods are needed which match overall improvements in farm production.

During the period 1995–1996, the pilot project will address these weaknesses in areas of Eastern Province where fish farming is already practised. The solutions will be applied more widely in Eastern Province and provided to other development agencies which promote fish farming, such as Africare in Luapula Province (where ALCOM has been active in the past). The pilot project will contribute methods and information to Zambia's coordinated national fish farming development programme under ASIP (Agriculture Sector Investment Programme). It will continue to incorporate appropriate elements of the target areas on integration with farming systems, information collection, extension methods, environmental impact, gender issues and human nutrition.

Objectives

1. Develop improved fish farming techniques for small-scale farmers in Eastern Province

2. Incorporate improved fish farming techniques into rural extension systems (agriculture, rural development, farmer-to-farmer).

First immediate objective: Develop improved fish farming techniques for small-scale farmers in Eastern Province

Second immediate objective: Incorporate improved fish farming techniques into rural extension systems (agriculture, rural development, farmer-to-farmer).

Notes:

• Supplies and materials purchased by ALCOM are FAO project equipment and as such will enjoy duty-free importation into Zambia.
• Non-expendible equipment purchased by ALCOM remains the property of FAO/ALCOM.
• Project staff and equipment will operate from Chipata Fish Farm, Chipata.
• Local payments for ALCOM expenses will be made through the ALCOM imprest account in Zambia according to an agreed spending plan.

ANNEX 2: Work plans for pilot projects under Small Water Bodies Project (GCP/RAF/277/BEL)

ALCOM Project: Utilization of Small Water Bodies for Aquaculture and Fisheries (GCP/RAF/277/BEL)

ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL SMALL WATER BODY POTENTIAL

Introduction

ALCOM has established a database of reservoirs in the region, with selected physical, biological and fishery components in a standardized structure. The database needs to be completed by providing missing information for cataloged reservoirs, adding additional reservoirs, and including indicative socio-economic information. The database is intended to serve as the information base for estimating fishery potential, and designing and trying management and enhancement methods.

Immediate objective 2 of the small water bodies project is:

• an assessment of the resources of small water bodies and fishery potential in the region.

This pilot project will produce the two outputs needed to attain this objective:

• information base for management and enhancement;

• estimates of fishery potential.

The pilot project is regional in scope. During 1995, it will focus only on the first output. It will pull together data collected under sub-national pilot projects and through local institutions and experts. Work on the second output will be initiated in the various sub-national pilot projects and addressed at a regional level beginning late in the year.

Objective: Establishment of a regional database of information on small reservoirs for use in fisheries management and enhancement

List of staff associated with the pilot project in 1995