Scaling strategy: Upgrading fisheries science curriculum and training tools for Zambia and the SADC region

Abstract

Improved performance of aquaculture value chains has been shown to promote economic, social, and environmental development in developing countries. Effective linkages of small and medium scale farmers to profitable value chains and strengthening partnerships between public and private sector are key for realization of such development impacts. Through funding by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), WorldFish and partners implemented a project, "Aquaculture Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training for Improved Private Sector and Smallholder Skills (AQ TEVET). The project aimed at enhancing the human resource capacity relevant to the private sector and increasing the number of smallholder farmers with adequate knowledge exposure and relevant practical skills for sustainable and inclusive aquaculture growth in Zambia. Following cost-effective achievement of the project’s goal and a systematic assessment of the scaling readiness of the innovation package promoted, this paper maps out a scaling strategy for upgrading fisheries science curriculum, training tools and online learning in Zambia and the SADC region. The paper describes the innovation package proposed for scaling, outlines the scaling mechanisms and assesses the scaling readiness of the package. Finally, it describes support mechanisms for scaling and lessons learnt upgrading the curriculum with TEVET institutions in Zambia and how these lessons can inform scaling of the innovations to Universities and other TEVET institutions dealing with fisheries science curriculum in Zambia and the region.