MFAT_Evaluation Report: Aquaculture Development in Timor Leste_July 2014 to January 2018

Abstract

The purpose of the evaluation of Aquaculture Development in Timor Leste activities is to identify improvements that can be made to managing, implementing and achieving results of the programme and to contribute to the broader evidence base by informing future policy and implementation of aquaculture development activities within and outside the New Zealand Aid Programme. The evaluation methodology included reviewing the Activity Design Document and subsequent Annual Activity Progress Reports, amongst other project documents. Interviews were held with key MFAT representatives, MAF-NDFA officers, PADTL staff, other donor project staff and PADTL fish farmer beneficiaries in Timor Leste. Main findings and conclusions were that aquaculture is relevant as a provider of cheap protein in a country such as Timor Leste which continues to suffer from one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world, however, its potential impact is limited considering the number of suitable sites and other more readily available sources of protein. PADTL has supported NDFA to successfully produce GIFT fingerlings at the Gleno hatchery; however, several setbacks have prevented the production of milkfish fingerlings at the Vemase hatchery, which is yet to become operational. Concentrate feed at an appropriate price is still unavailable which has prevented the production of tilapia on a commercial basis. Nonetheless, first harvests at back-yard subsistence ponds have shown local consumers are willing to pay USD 4.00/kg for fresh tilapia and because of low production levels, finding a market is not a constraint. Sustainability of the hatcheries is a concern once MFAT funding has concluded and most recommendations are concerned with addressing ‘seed and feed’ issues in the remaining twenty months before end of project.