Aquaculture for both finfish and shellfish is expanding rapidly throughout the world. It is regarded as having the potential to provide a valuable source of protein in less developed countries and to be integrated into the farming systems and livelihoods of the rural poor. This book addresses key issues in aquaculture and rural development, with case studies drawn from several countries in South and South-East Asia. Papers included cover topics ranging from production and technical issues (such as pond culture and rice field fisheries) to social aspects and research and development methodology. The book has been developed from a meeting of the Asian Fisheries Society. It is aimed at all concerned with aquaculture and rural development.

This report looks at small-scale aquaculture from the viewpoint of poverty reduction. What are the main factors that enable fish farming to generate livelihoods and reduce poverty? Based on case studies, the first part of the report highlights the importance of access to capital assets--human, social, natural, physical, and financial--and to a range of transforming processes, such as markets, institutions, facilities, infrastructure, and services.

This document contains the papers presented at the Consultation on Aquaculture for Sustainable Rural Development which was organized jointly by FAO and NACA and held in Chiang Rai, Thailand, from March 29-31,1999 in order to develop the detailed structure of a regional program on aquaculture for sustainable rural development and to propose a strategy for its implementation. The consultation took an overview of the relevant information emerging from the presentations of country reports; lessons learned by specific projects; experiences of regional and international organizations and donor agencies; and findings of expert reviews. More sharply focused examination of critical issues and discussions on specific components of the draft program concept were followed through parallel working group discussions. The outputs of the working groups were further discussed during the concluding plenary. Finally, a detailed Program Framework on Aquaculture for Sustainable Rural Livelihood Development was conceived through consensus to serve as guiding principles for the formation of the program.--Publisher's description.

This is the report of the consultation on Aquaculture for Sustainable Rural Development jointly organised by FAO and NACA in Chiang Rai, Thailand on 29-31 March 1999 to develop the detailed structure of a regional programme on aquaculture for sustainable rural development and propose a strategy for its implementation. The consultation took an overview of the relevant information emerging form presentations of country reports; lessons learned by specific projects; experiences of regional and international organizations and donor agencies; and findings of expert reviews. More sharply focused examination of critical issues, and discussions on specific components of the draft Programme concept were followed through parallel working group (WG) discussions.

This report analyses the effects of Mexico’s ambitious reforms to agricultural and fisheries policies since 1990 and makes recommendations for further reforms.

Volume 3. This document identifies elements of a legislation that will encourage the emergence of a sustainable commercial aquaculture. The aquaculture law of an individual country must provide the operator with a secure right to conduct aquaculture operations, to the property on which the farm will be located, to good quality water and to the produce. It must also ensure environmental sustainability, through permit or licence systems, without imposing unnecessary costs on applicants. Only proposals with the potential for serious environmental harm should be subjected to a full environmental impact assessment. Environmental supervision must extend to controls over the use of exotic species and products from modern biotechnology including genetically modified organisms, disease control and health management and to any water quality concerns created by the proposed project. To minimise costs, countries are encouraged to adopt a single window approach for the numerous approvals usually required for an aquaculture operation and screen initial applications. They could also consider creating a single agency to promote aquaculture and to monitor the progress of applications. Aquaculture regimes of selected African countries are measured against the elements required to encourage sustainable commercial aquaculture, and improvements that are applicable to all countries in sub-Sahara are suggested.

This publication is presented in two parts.