Appendices (continued)

Appenndix 8
Work Plan 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. From 1992 to 1994, ALCOM 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 did not produce planned outputs on weed control and comparative testing of species performance under local conditions. The report on the economic and social feasibility of carp culture in the project area did not give the results that justified the introduction of those species. 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 should not be used north of the Limpopo River, and only in cases where farmers will actually benefit more than with indigenous species. Furthermore, local species with culture potential, such as Labeo rosae, should be tested.

During 1995 the RdP team identified an area around Chidenguele in Gaza Province suitable for the culture of Chinese carps. This area had ample water resources. Stocking of natural coastal barrier lakes in this area was proposed as a way to increase the fish production. A socio-economic study was carried out to determine the feasibility of fish farming. Meanwhile, without informing ALCOM, RdP stocked Chinese carps into one of the lakes. RdP also assisted a local entrepreneur to construct a hatchery to produce fingerlings for further stocking of the lakes. The risk of distributing of Chinese carps, without prior investigation of the possible implications, was much greater than previously expected.

During 1996, the project will focus on the environmental impact of the introduction of exotic fish species, and in particular of Chinese carps. The project will prepare guidelines on how to analyze this impact and will train government staff in evaluating the appropriateness of the introduction and culture of indigenous and exotic fish species.

The SIREMO irrigation scheme was not operational during 1995 and is not expected to be operational in 1996. Rehabilitation of the water supply has caused water shortage in the scheme, and the future setup of the scheme is unclear. In collaboration with SIREMO the project will use this period to identify potential fish farming areas, and suitable fish farming techniques for the scheme, train staff in the techniques, and carry out the weed control experiments if water is available.

Objectives (1996)

1. Prepare guidelines to analyze the impact of the introduction of exotic species, in particular Chinese carps, and evaluate the appropriateness of this introduction.

2. Develop suitable fish farming culture techniques for the SIREMO irrigation scheme.

First immediate objective: Prepare guidelines to analyze the impact of the introduction of exotic species, in particular Chinese carps, and evaluate the appropriateness of this introduction.

Second immediate objective: Develop suitable fish farming culture techniques for the SIREMO irrigation scheme.

Notes:

• Supplies and materials purchased by ALCOM are FAO project equipment and will enjoy duty-free importation into Mozambique.
• Non-expendable 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.

List of staff associated with the pilot project in 1996

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

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 practising productive fish culture techniques. The pilot project is well on its way achieving its objective, to establish fish culture as a viable farming activity in Manica Province.

For the period 1995–1996, the pilot project focuses on those outputs and activities not already achieved and which conform with the framework of ALCOM Phase III. In particular, it incorporates 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 were funded in part from project TCP/RAF/2380 through December 1995, and from project GCP/INT/555/SWE during both years. The pilot project will increase its collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, and MARRP.

In 1996 the project will work with farmers to increase pond productivity, and with local development agencies to improve the dissemination of fish farming extension messages. Information will be gathered on the adoption of aquaculture by farmers: who are the adopters, how are the ponds managed, are there possibilities of improving production, and what are the main channels though which different types of information reach the farmers.

Objectives

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

2. Integrate improved fish farming techniques into existing extension, and information dissemination systems.

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

Second immediate objective: Integrate improved fish farming techniques into existing extension, and information dissemination systems.

Notes:

• Supplies and materials purchased by ALCOM are FAO project equipment and will enjoy duty-free importation into Mozambique.
• Non-expendable 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.

List of staff associated with the pilot project in 1996

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

Semi-Intensive Aquaculture For Small-Scale Farmers In Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Introduction

During 1993–1994, ALCOM 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 was reformulated as AQU/URT to 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.

During 1995 fish farming was introduced in three areas and the uptake of aquaculture was good. Management of the ponds was intensively monitored and this information was used to demonstrate to farmers the possibilities of improving the management and increasing the production of the ponds. Draft extension packages have been produced. For 1996 it is envisaged to continue the work in the same areas and expand similar activities to other areas.

Agriculture extension staff have been trained in aquaculture, but the collaboration has not been satisfactory. For 1996 it is planned to identify what the main channels of information are for the farmers. After the identification of possible channels that can be used for fish farming extension, the relevant key persons will be trained in the various aspects of aquaculture.

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 will enjoy duty-free importation into Tanzania.
• Non-expendable 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.

List of staff associated with the pilot project in 1996

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 over 800 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 and better institutional collaboration.
• 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 AQU/ZAM 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.

1995 was yet another year of low rainfall in most of the countries of Southern Africa, and the impact on fish ponds was extensive, with many ponds empty during the dry season. Aquaculture extension focused therefore more on the supply and production of fingerlings by private farmers than on management of the fish ponds.

The impact assessment study carried out during 1995 revealed the problems faced by farmers and the institutional weaknesses of the Depts of Fisheries and Agriculture. The impact assessment process will be continued during 1996 with a study to determine the effectiveness of the extension methods used, identify the most effective methodologies to follow, and training needs for the aquaculture and extension workers. The collection and analysis of pond production data will be improved by introducing better and more systematic methods.

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 will enjoy duty-free importation into Zambia.
• Non-expendable 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.

List of staff associated with the pilot project in 1996

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 standardised structure. The database needs to be completed by providing missing information for catalogued 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. 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. The database will be integrated in a geographical based program which will allow easier access to the data. Data will also be made available to a wider SADC database system, set up by the FAO/SADC Remote Sensing for Early Warning project.

Objective: Establishment of a regional database of information on small reservoirs for use in fisheries management and enhancement accessible through a user-friendly interface. Estimation of small water body fisheries potential.

List of staff associated with the pilot project in 1996

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

Small Reservoir Fisheries Management And Production, Malawi

Introduction

Malawi has over 700 small reservoirs, most of which are found in Southern Region. While Malawi has a significant fishery resource in Lake Malawi, the demand for fish is growing. These small reservoirs have the potential to supplement the fish supply, especially in rural areas away from the lake. To tap this potential, the Malawi Fisheries Department (MFD) needs methods for assessment, management and enhancement of small reservoir fisheries.

During 1991–1993, the first ALCOM/MFD small water bodies pilot project in Malawi, Methods for Evaluating Small Reservoir Fisheries, contributed to the formulation of a small reservoir fisheries stock assessment method. Two reservoirs in Southern Region were intensively studied to determine fish growth parameters based on length-frequency, tag-recapture and limnological data. Sampling net selectivity was also determined.

An important consideration for developing fishery management and enhancement strategies is ownership and control of reservoirs. There are three categories of reservoir ownership in Malawi:

• community owned, those constructed in the 1960's and 1970's by rural development projects to supply water for livestock and irrigation schemes in rural communities;
• privately owned, built by individuals and estate owners for farming purposes; and,
• government owned, which supply domestic water for municipalities and institutions such as schools.

The objective of this pilot project in Malawi is fishery management guidelines for three classes of small reservoirs: community, private and government. Its outputs will contribute to attaining the three immediate objectives of the main ALCOM small water bodies project:

• methods for evaluation of small water body fisheries potential;
• an assessment of the resources of small water bodies in the region and their fishery potential for local communities; and,
• the provision of feasible methods and guidelines for enhancement and management of fish production in small water bodies by local communities.

Notes:

• Supplies and equipment purchased by ALCOM are FAO project equipment and as such will enjoy duty-free importation into Malawi.
• Non-expendable equipment purchased by ALCOM (vehicle, boat/trailer, computer/printer/modem) remains the property of FAO/ALCOM.
• Project staff and equipment will be housed at, and operate from, the National Aquaculture Centre, Domasi
• Local payments for ALCOM expenses will be made by the Officer-in-Charge, NAC, according to an agreed spending plan, through imprests from FAOR Malawi charged against ALCOM's allotment advice at FAOR Malawi.

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

Assessment Of Small Water Body Resource Potential, Tanzania

Introduction

ALCOM began small water body fishery activities in Tanzania starting April 1994 under its regional sub-project on assessment of small water body resource potential. Mindu and Homobolo Dams, near Morogoro and Dodoma respectively, were selected for study to assess their fishery resources. Mindu Dam is a heavily fished non-fluctuating impoundment of about 400 ha on the outskirts of Morogoro Town. Hombolo Dam is an annually fluctuating dam of 800 ha (full supply level) within an agricultural area of Dodoma District. The methods developed will provide a model for assessing the fishery resources of other small water bodies in Tanzania, and contribute to the general method being developed by ALCOM.

A co-management structure has been set up during field work in 1995 in Hombolo and Mindu. Dam committees (which are in fact fisher committees) set up rules with the help of ALCOM and in collaboration with the Fisheries department. Results were very positive at the end of 1995 and the work in 1996 will focus on the follow-up of the dams regarding management.

Objectives

For Mindu and Homobolo Dams:

• follow-up of the established fisheries management.

• improve catch recording and follow-up catch statistics to determine resource potential in the long run.

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 an the agreed work plan, through imprests from FAOR Tanzania charged against ALCOM's allotment advice at FAOR Tanzania.

List of staff associated with the pilot project in 1996