ALCOM organized a Workshop on Methods to Promote Aquaculture in Rural Development in Chipata, Eastern Province, Zambia from 10–14 July 1989. Twelve Department of Fisheries officers from 8 provinces of Zambia participated, together with representatives of FAO and ALCOM, observers from 3 rural development projects in Eastern Province, and ICLARM. The list of participants is given in Appendix 1.
The objectives of the Workshop were to:
Describe the results of the ALCOM pilot project Field Testing of Aquaculture in Rural Development, Eastern Province Zambia, and plans for follow-up and new activities in Eastern Province during ALCOM's proposed second phase.
Describe in detail how the pilot project extension method was developed and inform participants on how it can be applied in other situations, including training of field staff.
Obtain comments from participants on the validity and usefulness of the methods developed by the pilot project.
The programme of the Workshop is given in Appendix 2 and a list of documents presented in Appendix 3.
Mr. S.A.T. Wadda, FAO Representative in Zambia, welcomed the participants on behalf of FAO. He noted with satisfaction that all provincial officers invited were in attendance. FAO had responded to Government requests for assistance to fish culture development by executing a number of projects in Zambia during the 1980's, and this Workshop provided the opportunity for national and international experts to discuss fish farming extension methods which have been developed under ALCOM. He stated that ALCOM wants inputs from a wide range of Zambian aquaculturists so that the methods developed by the pilot project can be improved and used, if feasible, on a wider scale.
Mr. E.D. Muyanga, Director of Fisheries, expressed his desire that officers learn and use a more effective approach to fish farming extension. He acknowledged that the potential for rural fish farming has not been fully exploited in Zambia due mainly to deficiencies in extension methods and services. He indicated that the results obtained by ALCOM in this regard are important and that officers should carefully consider the information presented.
Mr. A.S. Tembo, Deputy Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Honourable Member of the Central Committee for Eastern Province, formally opened the Workshop. In his speech he recognized the special need to provide effective fish farming extension services to rural farmers in a sustainable manner. He called on Government officers to respond to this need by adapting and implementing the extension methods presented.
Mr. A. Andreasson, ALCOM Programme Manager, in his introductory remarks, emphasized ALCOM's role in developing methodology and undertaking pilot projects which will have a catalytic effect on rural fish farming development. In this regard ALCOM's first pilot project, in Eastern Province of Zambia, has concentrated on methods to introduce and facilitate the adoption of fish farming by rural farmers. The Workshop is a forum to discuss and disseminate this method on a national scale, and ALCOM will eventually give it wider exposure at the inter-regional level.
Mr. B. Haight, ALCOM Aquaculturist, gave a brief description of the pilot project approach, activities and results, which is summarized below.
The pilot project in Eastern Province Zambia has three main objectives:
The extension methodology developed should insure, based on ALCOM's approach:
The design of the methodology was guided by the results of four desk studies commissioned by ALCOM, which identified the socio-cultural, socio-economic, bio-environmental, and bio-technical aspects of aquaculture relevant to rural communities.
Eastern Province has sufficient land and water resources for pond fish farming at a limited number of sites. These widely scattered sites are watered by perennial streams, springs, irrigation dams or dambos (swamps). About one hundred rural fish ponds had previously been built in four of the six districts of Eastern Province, but only 11 farmers were actively farming fish at the beginning of the pilot project.
The lack of widespread adoption of fish farming focussed pilot project attention initially on two aspects of extension: the adoption process itself, and the appropriate level of fish farming technology. In addition, the pilot project had to consider how to practically identify and effectively approach subsistence farmers in the field. Although subsistence farmers are classified as those farmers cultivating about one hectare of land, the desk studies pointed to other social and economic indicators which affect fish farming uptake.
Three communities composed mainly of subsistence farmers were chosen for initial activities during the first year of pilot project operation: Magwero, Rukuyze, and Yokoniya. During the second year, activities were initiated in six more communities: Chipangali, Mtetezi, Nyanje, Kangombe, Chiparamba, and Chinunda.
The pilot project utilized an approach to farmers based on the general model of the adoption of innovations, such as fish farming. Testing and refinement of this approach yielded an extension method which involves:
A set of nine guidelines (see Section 4), intended for use by extension services, describes the participatory extension methodology which has been developed. They cover information gathering, situation assessment, extension execution, and follow-up servicing. These guidelines are meant to be flexible in their use, and since they have only been tested in a limited area, users should carefully consider their situation when applying them.
The extensionist-to-farmer communication process was recognized as an especially important component of the introduction and adoption process, including farmers' perception of fish farming. A brief, thought-provoking, participatory slide show was developed to convey to subsistence farmers the idea, necessary means and expected results of fish farming.
Participatory methods are also used in the lecture on Aquaculture for Rural Communities. This lecture is intended for presentation to technicians or extensionists during regular training courses. A teacher's guide describes the lecture and method of presentation.
To date the pilot project has been involved with 29 villages in nine communities of Eastern Province. The slide show has been presented 19 times to a total of 684 farmers. The result has been 12 ponds in production, four of which have already been cropped, with yields ranging from 1.2 to 2.9 t/ha/yr. One pond is being continuously cropped. An additional 7 ponds are under construction and 35 ponds have been proposed by interested farmers.
Ponds have been stocked with Oreochromis andersonni fingerlings from Chipata Fish Farm or, in some cases, from existing rural fish ponds. Farmers manage ponds using resources available locally. In all cases this includes organic fertilization by composting in the pond. Some farmers also feed maize bran and household leftovers.
Fish farming uptake by rural subsistence farmers in Eastern Province is continuing at a slow but steady pace. The production results achieved to date are encouraging and efforts will continue to monitor uptake, expand the areas covered, and involve more field-level extension workers.
One constraint imposed by the limited number of ponds is that it has not yet been possible to fully understand and exploit the advantages to women of owning fish ponds. Women in Eastern Province face a severe labour shortage, which might inhibit their entry into fish farming. Also, land may not be available depending on the form of society (patrilineal or matrilineal), and on how strictly these rules are applied.
Mr. Haight invited participants to learn about and evaluate the pilot project's development process and the resulting extension method, training lecture, and slide show. Contributions were welcomed at any time during the Workshop on how to modify these tools for particular circumstances and adapt them to extension services.
The staff of the pilot project in Chipata presented, over two days, the extension methods and guidelines, and they explained in detail how they were developed. Field trips were undertaken to three communities to see the extension method in action and the results. A general description of the presentations and discussions is given below.
The extension method evolved from initial approaches to farmers in Eastern Province, which entailed:
Work concentrated on the adoption process, rather than improving pond management practices, since fish farming uptake had been relatively slow in Eastern Province. The approach focusses the attention of the farmer and extensionist, in a systematic way, from the larger community sphere down to one activity, fish farming, while they keep in mind how this activity relates to the community.
The large number of factors identified in the original ALCOM desk studies was refined during information gathering and situation assessment, although some issues required deeper investigation. Three special studies were undertaken to address issues related to differences in fish farming uptake between communities, reservoir exploitation, and monitoring of pond performance and extension. These contributed to the formulation of a set of more general guidelines to be used by extensionists in applying the extension methodology in other situations.
Only after long term application of this extension method will it be clear whether it can yield sustainable rural small-scale fish farming. The cost of developing and implementing this method has been modest, and it is designed to be used by existing extension services.
The participatory, flexible extension method is set out in nine guidelines grouped into four distinct phases. Their application requires the extensionist to have close contact with the farmers being served, together with good analytical skills. A training lecture to explain and practice the methods was designed for extensionists (see Section 5). In-depth knowledge of fish farming is only required during the assessment phase.
This three-step phase characterizes those variables critical to the adoption of fish farming.
General profile. Demographic, environmental, and agricultural data are compiled for a wide area or region from information already available from existing secondary sources.
Target group identification. Socio-economic data and information on resources available for fish farming are used to characterize broad groups of farmers. The goals of the development programme determine which group will be served. Sub-groups, such as women, can be further characterized and later selected to receive special attention.
Community profile. Socio-cultural, land tenure, farming system, and community structure data are compiled for the community being served from existing secondary sources, observations, and participatory data gathering. A community is defined as a group of people who exercise control, through local leadership, over the land and water resources necessary to undertake fish farming and other farming activities. Information gathered relates to farmer decision-making and resources used in fish farming.
This two-step phase analyzes the information gathered to determine how the farmer makes resource allocation decisions, how this process relates to fish farming, the range of aquaculture systems which can physically and socio-economically work in the community, and the fish farming system most likely to be adopted by farmers.
Farmer decision-making assessment. To determine the farmers' decision-making process regarding resource allocation and fish farming, the situation regarding specific factors related to the setting and resources available is evaluated. Extensionist activities can influence the decision-making process by effectively utilizing farmer's communication channels and improving their access to knowledge.
Aquaculture system assessment, Determination of the range of aquaculture systems and practices which will work under the known community attributes, both physical and socio-economic. Applied research can help to improve performance of known practices which are modified to fit a given situation.
The two assessment phases together can guide extensionists to determine which particular fish farming system may be adopted by farmers. However, it is better to give the farmers a number of options and let them make an informed decision.
Two special studies undertaken in Eastern Province provide good examples of the application of the guidelines in the first two phases.
Factors affecting adoption of fish farming in Rukuyze and Magwero Communities. Despite community profiles and situation assessment, pilot project extension activities led to fish farming uptake in Magwero community but not in Rukuyze. To learn the reason for this discrepancy, key informants were closely questionned and selected farmers were interviewed by enumerators with questionnaires. The study found hidden factors relating to community structure, social constraints on labour supply, and perception of fish farming which helped to explain the different rates of uptake. The study underlines the importance of social and cultural factors in fish farming uptake, and the study method used is a good example of how this information can be efficiently gathered and analyzed.
Reservoir exploitation and fishing methods in Eastern Province. The most common source of perennial water in Eastern Province is the over 200 small rural reservoirs. Social and technical factors inhibit the construction of small-scale fish ponds below these reservoirs. The impounded water itself has great potential for natural fish production. As part of the ongoing aquaculture system assessment in Eastern Province, a study was undertaken to learn about fishing techniques currently used on rivers and reservoirs, and to get an impression of the importance and place of fish and fishing in the community. Enumerators interviewed fisherfolk using a questionnaire and made observations on fishing methods. The information is being used to refine fish farming recommendations. In the future, it will help with promoting uptake and improvement of fishing in reservoirs.
This two-step phase gives farmers the information they need to make a decision to start (or not start) fish farming and helps them mobilize their resources to carry out a positive response by undertaking fish farming.
Participatory introduction and adoption process. Using the appropriate channel of communication, actively approach and motivate farmers to learn about fish farming in relation to the resources available and, if they are interested, to make a confident decision whether or not to start. Effective communication with farmers, giving the proper perception of fish farming, is very important and is covered in Section 6.
Execution of fish farming. The standard sequence of resource mobilization to undertake fish farming, in the physical and social setting of the farmer. Extension techniques vary according to the system used by the extension services which regularly work with the farmer.
These two ongoing activities support the long-term implementation of the extension method.
Extension training. To teach the extension method through participation in a lecture as part of any technical or extension training course. The lecture developed (see Section 5) is designed for presentation to any development workers, from planners to field-level motivators. The lecture does not cover technical aquaculture subjects.
Monitoring and evaluation. A system to measure the relative and absolute progress of fish farmers over time, to evaluate the effectiveness of extension services, and to determine the importance of particular factors in aquaculture uptake and performance. The amount of information collected over time must be balanced against its usefulness and reliability, the ability and time to collect it, and the willingness of farmers to collaborate.
Monitoring and evaluation systems are sensitive to any given situation. For Eastern Province, a set of seven data collection forms has been devised to measure farmer decision-making, fish farming progress, and important factors in uptake and management. The system measures individual farmer progress and provides data for comparison.
Discussions on the extension method and guidelines were held frequently during the Workshop. Important points are summarized below.
In the field, specific target groups can be difficult to define and identify. Field workers cannot be expected to pick and choose recipients in heterogeneous communities. The channel of communication used may be one way to realistically select for a particular target group.
Fish pond size is very important in relation to fish production rates, economic benefit, and other tangible and intangible benefits to the farmer. It is also the major contributor to the amount of resources required to start fish farming. Technicians prefer recommending minimum pond sizes which maximize measurable benefits. Farmers, if given the choice, may choose smaller pond sizes in an effort to optimize returns over a greater set of resources. The issue of who, technician or farmer, chooses pond size is of great concern to extensionists.
The situation in Eastern Province, with limited physical potential and latent farmer interest, may be so special that the extension method developed may not be widely applicable. The dispersed population of the province makes it difficult to run an effective extension service to adequately test the method. Other provinces have plenty of fish farmers but face problems concerning adoption of improved management practices.
Technicians and extensionists are seeking an extension method which will get farmers to follow extension advice on improved practices at a high rate, so as to get a high return on resources applied to extension effort.
Extension work never stops, and any method developed should recognize this and provide for follow-up and dissemination of improved fish farming techniques. The Eastern Province method may be too flexible to allow for effective introduction of improved techniques. Taking the path of least resistance with farmers may not be in their best interest.
The low profile, low cost Eastern Province approach to fish farming extension may be the most appropriate for this low potential area. However, high cost, high profile methods may be most effective in high potential areas (e.g. ICARA in Northwestern Province). Extension service costs must be weighed against potential benefits to farmers and communities. In the case of Eastern Province, it may not be proper to interest a few farmers in fish farming when there are so few land and water resources to exploit and limited extension services available.
Reliable production statistics from rural fish ponds are very difficult to obtain. Many monitoring systems are in use, but none lives up to expectations. Changes are constantly being made to existing systems.
Fingerlings should always be sold to farmers, never given away free. There was no agreement whether to charge a subsidized or market price.
Rural farmers need equipment and tools, but there is no best method to supply them. It was agreed that they should never be given away.
Mr. J. Mutale, Aquaculturist, Zambia, presented the extension training lecture in its entirety. In this way participants could learn both the field techniques used to implement the extension method and experience the participatory nature of the lecture itself. The Teachers' Guide was distributed only after the lecture.
The lecture has three themes around which the trainer develops ideas with the trainees.
Who is the farmer. Extensionists must learn about the community and farmers' situation during the information gathering phase. Trainees are asked to think of factors which might guide farmer decision making for the different types of farmers (e.g. subsistence, emerging) they work with. They then compare these factors to help understand the different circumstances under which different types of farmers operate. Ultimately they should realize that every farmer is different and will make his/her own decision about undertaking farming activities. A further insight is that, in order to reach their goal of improving farmers' livelihoods, extensionists must work hand-in-hand with farmers to facilitate their decision making process.
Consequences for the introduction of fish farming. Extensionists must understand the special conditions and results of fish farming and how farmers will react to them. Trainees are asked to consider how the differences in circumstances among farmers will affect the decision to take up fish farming. This is done by having trainees ask and answer the same types of questions farmers must pose and resolve themselves when considering fish farming. Learning to assess farmer decision-making will equip extensionists to facilitate the adoption process.
Different levels of fish farming. Extensionists must be able to offer farmers advice on appropriate levels of fish farming to suit farmers' circumstances. Aquaculture system assessment requires some background in aquaculture which must be acquired outside this lecture. Trainees work through an example of the application of different levels of resources to start fish farming. This exercise is carried out in groups, each representing a particular type of farmer, so that if necessary one aquaculturist can advise each group of trainees, and each group gets experience in the assessment process. Each group works through the process of adoption, construction, management, and harvest, making decisions about allocation of inputs and disposal of outputs along the way. Trainers should design these “case studies” to suit the types of farmers likely to be encountered by extensionists in their areas.
At the end of the lecture, trainees should have realized that:
The training lecture does not consider aspects of extension execution or follow-up servicing. These phases can be implemented under existing extension services. It is important for extensionists to realize that subsistence farmers often do not take the initiative to ask for information on new activities. Thus in order to reach this group, extensionists must actively contact and inform farmers about fish farming.
Discussion
Issues raised centered not on the training method itself but on the contents of the lecture.
More elaborate and realistic economic analyses in case studies for various pond sizes would facilitate extensionist understanding of how a farmer chooses to allocate resources. This assumes that quantifiable economic forces drive the decision making process.
Special emphasis should be given to the nutritional situation in rural areas, its role as a factor in taking up fish farming, and the contribution that fish farming can make to improved family nutrition.
The lecture as presented places too much emphasis on the differences between subsistence and emerging farmers. There is a risk that some trainees will focus more on these differences and not on the extension process itself.
The lecture would be best used at the beginning of an aquaculture training course, or refresher course for aquaculturists, so that trainees can put the technical information in perspective of the farmer.
Extensionist-farmer communication techniques and issues regarding farmers' perception of fish farming were presented by Ms. J. van der Mheen, ALCOM Socioeconomist. She described how the slide show was developed, tested and evaluated. Participants observed Mr. J. Mutale present the slide show to a group of farmers interested in fish farming.
During the participatory introduction and adoption process, extensionists need to use a communication medium which succeeds in sending the extension message to the farmer with accurate feedback to the extensionist. The medium used should allow the message to be properly read and interpreted by the farmer. For practical purposes, the medium should be easily used in rural settings and reach a large number of people efficiently.
The pilot project developed a short slide show using a pictorial medium to convey basic knowledge about fish farming, the necessary means, the expected results and incidental risks, and the level of assistance which could be rendered by the extension service. The slide show was also intended to motivate those farmers with the interest and necessary means to actually take up fish farming.
Slides were initially culled from existing film libraries; later, photographs were made locally. Pictures used to promote adoption should show lifestyles and means which are similar to those of farmers so that unrealistic expectations are not created. This also gives farmers confidence that they can take up fish farming using their own resources.
The number of slides shown in one sitting varies, but the pilot project versions average 10 to 12 slides. During the presentation, which takes place in the village using a simple battery-powered projector, the moderator asks viewers to explain what they see in each slide. Complementary information is given in the ensuing discussion, during which misunderstandings can be corrected.
The introductory slide show has been shown to 19 different groups, and a formal evaluation using before-and-after questionnaires was carried out on two occasions. The slide show makes a significant contribution to farmers' understanding of fish farming, both directly and indirectly, although some concepts were understood' better than others. The availability and use of resources associated with certain fish farming methods was considered especially risky by farmers. This alerted pilot project staff to modify parts of the slide show and pay more attention to these concepts and risks during execution of fish farming.
In conclusion, a carefully planned slide show can be an effective means to introduce fish farming in rural areas. This medium:
Discussion
Communication methods and the slide show itself were discussed.
Other methods in use which deal effectively with communication issues include formal committees (Northwestern Province) and clubs (Zomba, Malawi) where discussions and demonstrations take place. Theatre groups and singing are used in Zomba, Malawi to create awareness about fish farming, and the slide show could be a good follow-up to deliver specific messages.
The slide shows developed so far deal with introductory fish farming concepts. There is a need to develop communication methods which facilitate the adoption of improved practices by existing fish farmers.
Observation of the slide show presented in the field enhanced participants' understanding of the importance of perception. However, the progression of slides shown in this particular show could be improved.
Representatives of the seven provinces outside Eastern Province described the extension methods and services currently in use to promote fish farming in their provinces.
Central Province
Virtually no fish farming extension is underway due to lack of transport and operating funds. Two Fish Scouts are assigned responsibilities for extension, one from each of the two Government fish farms in the province. These farms were established as demonstration and fingerling production centres. There some private fish ponds and small public reservoirs in the province.
Copperbelt Province
There is a very active fish farming extension programme which has received technical assistance from FAO since the early 1980's. The province has abundant resources for fish farming. Two Government fish farms serve as demonstration, training and fingerling production centres. Small-scale, emerging, and commercial fish farmers are assisted by ten Fish Scouts responsible for extension, three of whom are permanently posted to rural areas.
Fish Scouts work with subsistence farmers by temporarily residing in the communities they serve. Housing is provided by the communities and per diem is paid by the Department of Fisheries. Fish Scouts encourage cooperative group action among farmers to build contiguous individually owned ponds to conserve land and water resources. Fish Scouts give demonstrations on specific subjects to farmers, who are usually limited to owning two ponds. Integrated fish farming is encouraged using any available local feeds. Fingerlings are purchased from Government fish farms.
Field days for farmers are organized at Government fish farms or private ponds. Sponsored groups of farmers (from throughout Zambia) can receive formal training at Mwekera Fish Farm, and Fish Scouts from throughout Zambia are trained there. Slides have been used in training of Fish Scouts and some Department of Agriculture field staff. A data collection system has been devised but is not working well. Production data are especially unreliable.
Having Fish Scouts resident in rural communities has made it possible to serve subsistence farmers using limited transport. Since these Fish Scouts are always in the field, they have more frequent contact with farmers. Extension methods designed for working with groups are needed. There is interest to better exploit the fishery of existing rural reservoirs.
Luapula Province
There are many excellent sites and much spontaneous uptake of rural fish farming in the province. Production is limited by lack of fingerlings, and ponds are managed using local feeds. Some group training of fish farmers has been undertaken, but the four Fish Scouts assigned extension duties are limited by lack of transport. Bicycles have recently been acquired and Fish Scouts will be spending whole weeks living in rural communities. ALCOM will assist with extension methods. Slides on local conditions are needed to create meaningful slide shows on improved management practices.
Northern Province
Rural fish farming has been promoted in Northern Province for over twenty years. Farmers are enthusiastic and resources abundant. There are now between 700 and 1500 fish farmers with over 2000 ponds total. Most of these ponds have low productivity. Since 1988 extension services have been supported by NORAD. There are four Government fish farms and ten Fish Scouts assigned part-time to extension.
Baseline data on the physical and socio-economic situation of practicing fish farmers are now being collected with a view to improving management practices. Core or demonstration farmers will be chosen for intensive visits by Fish Scouts, who conduct demonstrations and physically work on making improvements to farmers' ponds. The intention is to be selective in working with farmers by only continuing to assist those who follow advice. A scoring system has been devised to select farmers.
Lectures using slides are given at general farmers' training courses, and some special fish farming courses are planned. Some Department of Agriculture field staff have been trained, but they do not have much time to devote to fish farming. Fish Scouts receive formal and on-the-job extension training in the province.
Northwestern Province
The high cost, high profile ICARA project succeeded in raising the number of fish farmers from 35 with 107 ponds to 1418 with with 2625 ponds covering 127 ha in the period 1984–88. Most of the ponds have low productivity. The extension services comprise twelve Fish Scouts serviced from three Government fish farms in the province. Six of the Fish Scouts are posted with transport and housing to rural communities. Key fish farmers were given bicycles to assist Fish Scouts with extension. The other six Fish Scouts are station-based and assist the better-off farmers.
In the rural areas, fish farming sites are grouped in well-watered valleys and committees/sub-committees of fish farmers are formed. The Fish Scouts work with the committees, not individual farmers, to give demonstrations. A specific technical package is promoted and farmers were given financial incentives to follow it, with high adoption rates. However, efforts are being made to adapt the technology package to local conditions.
When the financial incentive was withdrawn, farmers modified their practices. Extension personnel are seeking ways to promote adoption of improved practices without such incentives. The qualities and performance of Fish Scouts posted to rural areas is critical to the success of such a decentralized extension approach.
Southern Province
The mostly emerging farmers in this province have few fish ponds, but there are over 200 small reservoirs. The Department of Fisheries has very few staff, one fish farm, and no transport. Active fish farming extension is not currently undertaken. However, queries on fish production are received annually from farmers at the Provincial Agricultural Show, and there is interest to improve reservoir fishery exploitation.
Western Province
Only one District is physically suitable for fish farming. One Government fish farm and two Fish Scouts assist 53 farmers with fish farming. Since transport is lacking, Department of Agriculture staff are used to identify interested farmers who are then assisted by Fish Scouts. These agriculture field staff have been briefly trained in fish farming.
The Fish Scouts have one slide projector for extension, but they need slides and training to use the projector. There is interest to stock and manage perennial dambos.
A plenary half-day discussion session was held on the last day of the Workshop. General conclusions and specific recommendations on the extension method and guidelines, and on extension services in general, are summarized below.
The guidelines make sense. Technicians and extensionists need to concentrate on:
Communication and especially perception are very important concepts, something often not realized by technicians. This realization was greatly enhanced by observing the presentation of the slide show in a genuine field situation.
The slide show is a very effective motivator. However, the choice of slides needs to be improved to show a better progression from fish farming concept to reality. It might be better to show only one aspect at a time, then have farmers implement it.
The participatory training approach is good because it gets the students to think about problem solving. More elaboration is needed on the economic analysis examples, such as detailed case studies. The nutritional situation in rural areas should be included as an important factor and possible motivating force. There is too much emphasis on emerging vs subsistence farmers.
There is a wide diversity of extension methods and services already in practice in Zambia which employ some of the techniques advocated by the Eastern Province method. These have been developed on-site to suit the circumstances. Most are hampered by lack of local operating resources, no matter how cost effective. The biggest methodological problem is how to get farmers to adopt improved fish farming techniques.
Many participants expected better results from the two-year pilot project in terms of fish farming uptake and practices. However, after the field trips they realized the limited fish farming potential and interest in Eastern Province. They all queried why Eastern Province had been chosen for the pilot project site. Some commented that two years was too short a time to get good results under the circumstances, based on their experiences under better conditions.
ALCOM should concentrate future extension methodology work in areas where the issue of farmer adoption of improved management can be addressed.
Reservoir exploitation probably has the best potential to produce “farmed” fish for rural people in Eastern Province, and it should receive more attention from ALCOM in the future. Southern Province could also benefit from such work.
ALCOM should sponsor a follow-up workshop in 1990 to review progress made on improving extension methods and services. Participants also want to hear about results of ALCOM's fish farmer surveys and harvesting strategies activities. Luapula Province offered to host the workshop.
All participants found the Workshop worthwhile and the approach of ALCOM relevant to addressing their problems in the field. The camaraderie among fish farming development workers fostered by the workshop was especially valued.
