1. The meeting was convened at the Pamodzi Hotel, Lusaka, Zambia. A list of the participants is attached as Appendix 1.
2. Mr P.K. Mushinge, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Development, called the meeting to order, introduced Mr M.X. Mufwaya, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Development, to the meeting, and welcomed the participants.
3. Dr H.F. Henderson, Chief, Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service, welcomed the participants on behalf of Dr Edouard Saouma, the Director General of FAO. He drew the meeting's attention to the important role the Programme is expected to play in developing guidelines for aquaculture development for this region, noting that results of the efforts will also be important for development in other regions.
4. Mr Mufwaya, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Development, welcomed the participants on behalf of the host country. He pointed out that when the Programme started there was a lack of information as to its scope, size and coverage. In this connection it would have been useful to have had the first Advisory Committee Meeting at an even earlier stage. He drew attention to the role of the Programme in assisting rural development in the region through aquaculture. The Meeting of the Advisory Committee was thus very timely, and he called upon the participants to examine all aspects of the Programme and provide clear recommendations for its work. The Programme Manager and the staff were commended for the progress made. He conveyed his thanks to SIDA for funding the preparatory phase of the Programme, showing the concern Sweden has for the plight of developing countries. The Deputy Permanent Secretary then declared the meeting open.
5. Following the proposal of the delegate from Swaziland, seconded by delegates from Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Zambia was elected to chair the Committee Meeting. Mr P.K. Mushinge, Deputy Director of Fisheries, expressed appreciation for the honour shown to Zambia and assured the meeting that Zambia would do its utmost to facilitate the meeting. Apologizing for not being able to attend the whole meeting, Mr Mushinge asked Dr P.M. Chipungu, Chief Fisheries Research Officer, to chair the meeting in his absence.
6. The agenda (Appendix 2) was adopted with the addition of one item on “other matters”.
7. The Programme Manager, in introducing the agenda item, focused on the overall objectives of the Programme and emphasized that the guiding principles adopted at the World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development would be a basis for its work. During the first year of operation the Programme had concentrated its efforts on contacts and discussions with Governments in the countries of Southern Africa, identification of problems to be dealt with in activities to develop aquaculture within rural development, desk studies, missions to a number of countries and preparation of the Technical Consultation on Aquaculture in Rural Development held in Lusaka, 27–30 October 1987. A description was given of the pilot activities in Eastern Province of Zambia. Progress had been achieved in all areas of the work. The interest and response from the countries had been positive. Formal endorsement of the Programme had so far been received from Zambia and Tanzania for the preparatory phase, and it was expected that such an endorsement would be forthcoming from other countries in the near future.
8. The Committee members noted the progress made by the Programme and were provided with clarifications on a few points. The role of the Programme in the implementation of national programmes and projects was discussed, and it was noted that its direct involvement would consist of assistance to Governments in the preparation of national programmes and projects based on the results of the pilot activities. However, when feasible, the Programme would assist the countries in mobilizing funds for follow-up projects and provide advice during their implementation.
9. The meaning of the concept “rural poor” as used to represent the beneficiaries of the Programme was discussed. Different countries apply different criteria and definitions of the concept, and it was suggested that such terms as subsistence farmers and fisherfolk would be preferably used. It was emphasized that a clear definition of the target group(s) and identification of these are necessary for planning and implementation of each of the pilot activities.
10. The need for clearly stated and measurable objectives was stressed. Methods for monitoring should be evolved, and specific objectives should be formulated for each pilot activity, within the overall aims of the Programme.
11. The proposed terms of reference of the Committee were presented. In order to clarify its objectives and working arrangement, the Committee recommended the adoption of the revision shown in Appendix 3. It requested FAO to consult with SIDA in this respect. It was further recommended that the elected Chairman should continue in this position during the inter-sessional period.
12. The Summary Report from the Technical Consultation on Aquaculture in Rural Development held in Lusaka, 27–30 October 1987, was presented. It was noted with satisfaction that all SADCC countries had positively responded to the invitation to the Consultation and had proposed experts, who were subsequently invited in their personal capacities. It was regretted that participants from one country had not been able to participate due to transport problems.
13. The Consultation discussed and identified important issues for small-scale aquaculture development in relation to the different situations prevailing in the countries in the region. In conclusion, six areas of activity emerged as priorities for programmes and projects in the region. They were broadly defined as aquaculture and farming systems, the role of women in aquaculture, utilization of small water-bodies, extension and training, environmental impact of aquaculture, and information needs and design of surveys.
14. There was consensus in the Advisory Committee that all issues brought out by the Consultation were important. However, it was recognized that some target areas were of greater immediate concern to some countries than others. The delegates then commented upon the relevance of the conclusions of the Consultation in the light of ongoing activities and policies of their countries.
15. Lesotho stated that the utilization of small water-bodies was an area of immediate concern, because of the ongoing developments in soil conservation and water-shed management schemes. Linkages were being created between aquaculture extension and other extension systems, especially those of agriculture, and training of middle-level extensionists and farmers was identified as a particular priority. Women were the backbone in aquaculture development due to the social and economic situation. The delegate also pointed out the importance of the youth in aquaculture development.
16. Malawi stressed the importance of women in aquaculture development and of participatory approaches in development planning in order to create an understanding of the social and economic conditions and thus to cater for the needs of the farmers. In this connection, information-gathering, especially socio-economic surveys, was considered important as a planning tool. Utilization of small water-bodies has presented a management problem related to ownership and access. A new system of cooperation between aquaculture and agriculture extension is being tried, supported by the provision of basic training of agriculture extension officers in aquaculture practices. Environmental concerns were important for Malawi, especially in relation to introduction of new species and waterborne diseases.
17. In Mozambique, aquaculture development is now beginning, and the delegate, although in agreement with the main conclusions and recommendations of the Consultation, stressed the importance of extension and training in the early stages of aquaculture development. The first training course had been initiated only this year. The delegate also stressed the importance of women, who, as members of cooperatives, could play an important role in the development of the sector. It was also stressed that funding was the main constraint.
18. The delegate of Swaziland, commenting on the importance of aquaculture for family nutrition, recognized the concern for women as a priority area. The respective characteristics of male and female headed households were important in relation to access to inputs and credits. The delegate also stated the importance of increased access to data for the planning for the sector. Owing to the importance of the utilization of small water-bodies for fish production, the delegate pointed out the need for surveys of the existing small water-bodies. In Swaziland, the Training and Visit extension system was being practised to disseminate agricultural production information to farmers, and would be utilized also for aquaculture, using fisheries officers to back up the existing front-line extension workers.
19. Tanzania stated that most of the conclusions of the Consultation were within the policies of Tanzania for aquaculture development. The delegate stressed that funding was an immediate constraint for implementing the actions recommended. A need was recognized, nevertheless, in Tanzania for surveys to improve available data on aquaculture development in order to enable the country to use its limited resources in the most effective way.
20. Zambia had experienced problems with the management aspects of the utilization of small water-bodies. With regard to extension, a system for aquaculture had been established, but it was facing particular problems with transport. Nineteen demonstration fish-farms had been built, and several schools had adopted fish-farming as part of their production units.
Zambia was utilizing radio and agriculture shows for informing the public about fish-farming. The prevention of fish diseases, especially those resulting from introductions of exotic species, was considered important.
21. Zimbabwe stated that participatory planning had often been lacking in the past, but that action had now been taken to involve the farmers. It had had positive experiences of on-farm research as a relatively cheap means of obtaining information for aquaculture. The delegate stressed the importance of women in fish-farming and recommended that youth should also be included as a special target group. Zimbabwe was cautious about the introduction of exotic species for aquaculture, and stressed the need to investigate the potential of indigenous species. An initial intensive survey will be necessary as a planning tool in rural aquaculture development. The utilization of small water-bodies and aquaculture in farming systems, will be areas of priority.
22. The main activities of the Work Plan for 1988 were presented. It was stated that the plan would be elaborated, including timing of main events, based on the recommendations given by the Advisory Committee and outcome of the formulation mission, November–December 1987. The outline of the Work Plan is given in Appendix 4.
23. The Work Plan was accepted by the Committee as a skeleton plan for the next year, covering the main activities needed to fulfil the objectives of the preparatory phase of the Programme.
24. The Programme Manager presented an outline of the main objectives proposed for the second phase, based on the recommendations of the Technical Consultation Meeting. An attempt was made to formulate intermediate objectives as well as to specify criteria for identifying goals and locations of pilot projects. It was stressed that the Committee was requested at this stage only to provide general guidelines, commitments by participating countries and donor being premature. Nonetheless, expression of priority areas requiring more immediate attention would allow the programme formulation to reflect the needs of the region. These would also be taken into consideration during the mission being fielded within the year for further refinement of the work programme and identification of specific activity fields of pilot projects to be formulated.
25. The Committee members reiterated their unanimous consensus on the objectives and broad outlines of activities elaborated for each subject area. From the discussion and from the points raised by the participating delegates, the Committee recommended that the Programme should give attention to the following target areas:
26. The delegates from Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all stressed the need to upgrade their information and data systems, and for various types of surveys that would assist in effective planning, with due consideration to be given to socio-economic elements, identification of priorities, and management of small water-bodies.
27. The topic resulted to be of specific interest at various levels of priority for the delegates of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The delegate of Zambia provided information on the ongoing activities in this sector in his country. The delegates of Lesotho and Swaziland underlined the importance of economic viability, including, at the appropriate stage, the marketing aspect.
28. The area was regarded as first priority for Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, and of interest to Tanzania and Swaziland. Systems exist in most countries requiring refinement, adaptation and particularly solutions for their effective operation within limited budgetary resources.
29. The delegates of Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe expressed specific interest in increased utilization and improved management practices.
30. The Committee recommended that due consideration be given to youth and women. The delegates of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe stated the topic to be of specific relevance to their countries.
31. Although the importance of this area should not be underestimated, the Programme's immediate contribution should be limited - but not neglected - at this stage. A holistic approach to the development and utilization of water resources should be adopted.
32. The Committee endorsed the importance of liaison with the participating governments, other projects and programmes of FAO, and with various other groups which share a common concern for aquaculture in rural development.
33. It was agreed that SADCC was the natural umbrella under which coordination of the activities of the participating countries should take place, and hence should also be an appropriate framework for the Programme's liaison with participating countries. It was especially recommended that the Programme establish a close relationship with the SADCC Sub-Committee for Fisheries and Wildlife by exchanging reports, and by arranging the meetings of the Advisory Committee of the Programme to take place immediately prior to one of the meetings of the Sub-Committee of the SADCC and in the same location, thus facilitating both exchange of experience and attendance. It was further recommended that SADCC be requested to include the activities of the Programme as a part of the SADCC Action Plan.
34. Noting that not all of the participating countries had yet designated a focal point for the Programme, it was suggested that, in any case, formal communication with each country should be through the FAO Representative, who would direct it through the Head of Fisheries to the appropriate contact officer. In this connection, it was noted that, in most cases, the Head of Fisheries was the focal point for the work of the SADCC Sub-Committee for Fisheries and Wildlife.
35. Note was also made of the plans of SADCC to establish documentation centres, and that these, when established, should be linked with the documentation and information exchange activities of the Programme.
36. Considering other projects and organizations, it was recommended that the Programme provide a brief summary of recent activities and accomplishments of selected complementary projects, such as the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP), the Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme (ADCP), and the International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) as background information at each of the future sessions of the Advisory Committee.
37. The Committee drew attention to problems arising from the payment of daily subsistence allowance in local currency, and requested that ways of easing the difficulties for delegates be fully explored. The Programme was also requested to inform delegates about relevant currency regulations in the host country, and arrangements for lodging and payments, well ahead of the meeting.
38. It was recommended that the next, as well as future meetings, be organized in conjunction with the regular meetings of the SADCC Sub-Committee for Fisheries and Wildlife, which is to take place in the second half of 1988.
39. The Committee expressed regret that it had not been possible for a representative of the donor agency to attend, and agreed that such attendance at future meetings would be very much appreciated.
40. The delegate of Zimbabwe proposed, seconded by the delegate of Swaziland, the adoption of the report. The report was unanimously adopted.
41. The Chairman thanked all the participants in the First Advisory Committee Meeting for the honour given to Zambia in electing it to chair the meeting. The proceedings had been finalized in the time allocated due to the active participation of the delegates who had contributed with enthusiasm to the discussions.
The meeting had been well received and the resolutions and recommendations showed the interest of the countries participating in the Programme. However, the resolutions and recommendations were not an end in themselves, and the Chairman urged the participants to actively engage in the practical follow-up activities needed.
The Programme should be regarded as a tool for development, and it was for the countries concerned to utilize that tool effectively. One way of doing this was to provide all information the Programme needs to evolve its activities. He noted with satisfaction that the Programme would continue its planning of activities immediately after the meeting. He hoped that during the next meeting of the Committee considerable progress could be reported and discussed.
The Chairman conveyed thanks on behalf of the participating countries to SIDA for its generous funding of the preparatory phase and expressed the hope that SIDA and other donor agencies would also support the implementation of the recommendations made by the Committee.
42. On behalf of the executing agency and of the Programme, the representative of FAO thanked the Government of Zambia for the excellent arrangements provided for the meeting, and commended the Chairman for the relaxed and wise manner in which he had conducted the meeting. The representative of FAO also thanked the delegates for their enthusiastic and frank participation.
43. The delegate of Swaziland expressed his appreciation for the help given by the Secretariat, especially for the long hours of work in preparing the documentation and the draft report.
44. The delegate of Lesotho, on behalf of all the delegates, then thanked the Government of Zambia for their excellent hospitality, the Government of Sweden for the help they were providing to the SADCC region, the executing agency, and especially the Programme for the excellent preparation of the Meeting and support for its work.
