Small-scale aquaculture development model for rural Nepal

Abstract

The majority of rural farmers in Nepal are small holders and their livelihood is based on agriculture. Three projects on small- scale aquaculture, with focus on women’s involvement, were completed in Kathar and Kawasoti Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts, respectively during 2000-2007. Based on the experience from these projects, guidelines/ steps for the development of small-scale aquaculture in rural areas were drawn. They include: (i) selection of technically feasible site; (ii) identification of appropriate rural society/ ethnic group; (iii) formation of homogenous fish farmers' groups; (iv) registration of these groups with District Agriculture Office; (v) involvement of household heads (both male and female) in training and other activities; (vi) providing technical and input support for one culture cycle; (vii) organizing regular monthly meeting of fish farmers’ groups to discuss on-going and upcoming activities, with an emphasis on women; and (viii) establishment of fish farmers’ cooperative and its registration with District Cooperative Office. Small-scale aquaculture should be developed in clusters or groups and not in a scattered pattern. Emphasis on “one household-one pond” wherever possible provides an opportunity to form clusters.