Low external input sustainable aquaculture for Bangladesh: an operational framework

Like most developing countries, Bangladesh wants to improve the income and nutrition of its rural population most of whom live under uncertain and harsh social and environmental conditions. These rural households farm with little access to land, water or capital. Farming itself is fraught with the uncertainties of rain and floods. There are, however, many seasonal water resources in the country in which fish will grow. There is a challenge to bring aquaculture as a complement to other agricultural activities. The potential rewards in income and food are high (see Naga July 1990, p. 8). What approach should be taken in order to stimulate households into culturing fish? This article examined an alternative approach vs the conventional high input approaches of fish culture.