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Aquatic Animal Health Management Issues In Rural Aquaculture Development In Lao PDR

Year of publication 1999

Pages 23 p.

Author Simon Funge-Smith; Pierrre Dubeau;Fishery and Aquaculture Economics and Policy Division

Product type Project

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) This paper describes the role of small-scale aquaculture in subsistence farming systems in rural Lao PDR. Small-scale aquaculture is a popular component of subsistence farming systems in Lao PDR, however rice cultivation is the principle activity during them on soon season and collection of aquatic products from rice fields is common. Results from a consumption and production survey of rural Lao subsistence farmers, many of whom were engaged in fish culture (84 %), are presented. Consumption of fish and aquatic products was estimated between 13 - 48 kg.capita-1.yr-1, representing between22% - 55% of animal product consumption. Livestock and fish production are the principle forms of income generation and the average value of fish production was $81per household; overall family income ranged between $372 - $594.household-1.yr-1.Minimising risk is a principal strategy in subsistence farming and this is reflected in the low input and low productivity of Lao rural aquaculture. Average pond size ranges between 550 - 1,520 m2, with water depth of about 50 cm. Productivity is low (417 - 708kg.ha-1.yr-1) due to low stocking densities (1 - 4 fish.m-2) and limited feeding. Low input aquaculture systems are not disease prone, but may become so during the dry season, or when increased inputs are applied. Livestock production is perceived as high risk due to disease, whereas the lack of significant losses in aquaculture is seen as a positive feature. Shortage of fingerlings for stocking a quaculture ponds and rice fields encourages importation from neighbouring countries. These imported fingerlings are often poor quality and survival appears to below. There is also a potential risk of introduction of diseases present in the countries of origin. Production of fingerlings within Lao PDR is limited to provincial hatcheries and a few private entrepreneurs. This activity is increasing and is susceptible to health management related problems. Health management issues limit production in Lao PDR and thereby constrain development, but are not causing direct economic loss. This may not be the case with respect to impacts on wild fisheries and fish movements. The lack of baseline information on aquatic animal health issues available for Lao PDR limits the ability to assess risk in the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.

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    The Provincial Aquaculture Development Project (LAO/97/007) is funded as part of a UNDPcountry programme for rural development. The project is government executed through theDepartment of Livestock and Fisheries, with technical and management assistance provided byFAO. The project duration is three years (November 1997 – December 2000).
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    This document is a brief overview of the role aquatic resources management in general and small-scale aquaculture in particular, have in rural livelihoods in the Lao PDR. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the subject, but rather an overview that covers the main issues. The document was prepared as part of project formulation mission commissioned by FAO.
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    End of Assignment Report - Provincial Aquaculture Development Project (LAO/97/007) 2000
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    This report is intended as a resource document for readers who wish to know more about the status of rural aquaculture development and to a lesser extent aquatic resource management issues in Lao PDR. This report is a final output by the Aquaculture Development Advisor to the “Provincial Aquaculture Development Project, LAO/97/007”. Whilst there are frequent references to the work of this project, this document does not aim to provide a comprehensive review of the project activities and impact s. More complete information on various project related activities can be found in the extensive LAO/97/007 field documentation listed in Annex I. These documents are recorded on CD-Rom media and copies of file should be available through FAO Regional Office Bangkok, FAO Library Rome or FAO Representation in Vientiane. Additional copies are also lodged with the Lao Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre and Livestock and Fisheries Development Division.
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