Field testing of aquaculture in Eastern Province, Zambia

Van der Mheen-Sluijer, J.,Van der Mheen, H.W.

Field testing of aquaculture in Eastern Province, Zambia

Year of publication 1988

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages p.69

Author Van der Mheen-Sluijer, J.,Van der Mheen, H.W.

Product type Project

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) The pilot project in Eastern Province, Zambia, one of the activities of ALCOM (Aquaculture for Local Community Development Programme), was intended to develop and demonstrate a methodology for the introduction of small-scale aquaculture in rural communities through a participatory approach. The pilot project activities started in March 1987. The approach and initial results up to April 1988 are described here. A final report on the pilot project will be published in 1992. Three communities w ere selected for development activities and close monitoring. The social, cultural, and agricultural variations among these communities made possible the testing of methods under various conditions. In order to understand why aquaculture might be undertaken as a new activity, a general model on the adoption of innovations was used to order and establish priorities for the factors identified by four desk studies. Information on these factors was gathered from investigations, surveys and other s tatistical data collected by government authorities, Study Bureau, and development agencies. Additional information was obtained through interviews, questionnaires, observations and discussion. Observations were made on how to introduce fish farming into rural communities in a manner that fits into the local decision-making process. The best results were achieved by going through the traditional community leaders rather than through political leaders. Simple slide shows were used to discuss th e possibilities for starting fish farming. The slide shows were very effective at communicating ideas about fish farming and understanding the farmers' perspective on this activity. The site for the pond and the size of the pond were determined as far as possible by the farmers themselves. Communal ponds tend to be favoured as a start-up activity to minimize risk and spread out the initial labour input, which is limiting.

Language English

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