IFAD_Managing Aquatic Agricultural Systems to Improve Nutrition and Livelihoods in Selected Asian and African Countries: Scaling Learning from IFAD-WorldFish Collaboration in Bangladesh_Annual Report January 2018- January 2019

Abstract

Cambodia component: In 2018, the project supported the first production cycle of nutrition-sensitive aquaculture in 65 homestead ponds and 15 rice field ponds, for a total of 80 households. The final harvest of the first cycle was between May to June 2018 for homestead ponds and up to September 2018 for rice field ponds. All households were also supported for vegetable production. The project continues to maintain the same protocol and support to target households as provided in 2017. The target households receive in-kind support after aquaculture training is conducted within the community. In 2018, 143 farmers received training in vegetable production in home gardens and compost production. The remaining 169 famers will receive in-kind support and training on vegetable production in early 2019.

Zambia component: In Luwingu district, nutrition education training material was developed and delivered to 240 households engaged in pond aquaculture by the national NGO, SHA SHA developed training material, in collaboration with WorldFish staff, and provided training on nutrition-sensitive fish food systems – a new area of training in Zambia. Partnerships with staff from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health ensured a strong multi-disciplinary approach to the training. Promotion of pond polyculture was expanded, with attention given to engaging women. Pilot experiments with stocking and management of small fish in pond polyculture are on-going. After breeding and household consumption, distribution of brood stock to neighbours and sale are promoted. Common SIS have been collected and analyzed by a Ph.D. fellow from the University of Hohenheim, Germany. Indonesia Component: Building on the partnership with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, (MMAF), Indonesia, we are developing three policy briefs focusing on nutrition-sensitive fish food systems, with focus on the role of fish for improving nutrition in the first 1000 days of life. The drafted policy briefs (see Annex 1, 2 & 3) will be reviewed and finalized in 2019. These briefs will be used for influencing fish production systems, for example, use of reservoirs to produce nutritious fish and collaboration with the Ministry of Health for the use of fish and fish products for pregnant and lactating women and young children. These activities will be used for advocacy and policy in the ASEAN countries, in collaboration with FAO in 2019.