Through joint efforts the project, Lilongwe University, a method for intermittent harvesting was developed, based on expert discussions and literature research. The size-selective fish trap was designed for easy and regular harvest of juvenile fish in mixed-sex tilapia cultures, mitigating the risk of a total loss of fish crop due to extreme weather events. Next to the better management of the pond’s carrying capacity, the low-cost fish trap was expected to improve household nutrition and cash flow of small-scale aquaculture farmers. In a series of experiments different fish species, stock densities and time intervals for the use of the trap were tested. On-farm trials were conducted to test the innovation’s use in the field. With the application of the trap for intermittent harvest the total yields under optimal conditions were 25 percent higher than in the control group with single batch harvest. Throughout the three-month trial in the field, the farmers used the trap two to three times a week. An average of 830 g of small but marketable fish was caught each time, adding up to over 20 kg of continuous fish supply for the farmer.
This additional catch provided a steady source of food for the household or could be sold at favourable prices, especially when local market fish supplies were low during the aquaculture cycle.
Illustrations: Katrin Straßburger, Sandra Winter/ W4 Büro für Gestaltung, Frankfurt, Germany
The vulnerability study follows the methodology of the GIZ Vulnerability Sourcebook which uses the vulnerability definition by the AR4 of the IPCC. As a starting point, temperature and precipitation in six focus regions in Madagascar were analysed and climate project maps were created. They served as a basis for the impact analysis. In three interregional workshops, impact chains and adaptation measures were developed by private, public, and civil society actors of the aquaculture sector. In a national workshop these findings were shared and verified. Fish farmers in the Highlands and on the east coast participated in capacity building activities on climate change adaptation.
Overall, the results revealed a high vulnerability of the freshwater aquaculture sector in all six focus regions in Madagascar. The models predict a significant reduction of rainfall, an increase of the number of days without rain and more frequent extreme weather events until 2060. More cyclones (and more intense cyclones) imply flood and erosion and a siltation of rice fields. More frequent and longer droughts lead to a lack of water, shorter production cycles and delays in the fish farming season. Furthermore, extreme weather events can create “panic sales” at low prices which affects the economic performance of fish farmers.
SMALL-SCALE AQUACULTURE ADAPTATIONS TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS
Katrin Straßburger, Sandra Winter/ W4 Büro für Gestaltung, Frankfurt, Germany
Adapted to the country specific contexts, different measures are being used for the GP Fish’s intervention areas. However, the procedure is similar, starting with studying the individual effects of climate change to the region, piloting mitigation strategies to curb them and then implementing the most effective solutions.
In 2022, the GP Fish conducted a vulnerability study for the freshwater aquaculture sector in Madagascar on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ). Public, private, and society actors of the sector reflected jointly on the impacts of climate change and developed adaptation measures for pond farming and rice-fish culture.
Moreover, in cooperation with the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the former Sectoral Programme for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, the project researched and implemented measures to protect fish farmers from the total loss of fish stock due to extreme weather events through intermittent harvest. The aquaculture adaptations were applied and supported through training and consulting services, accompanied by additional activities like the implementation of a mobile phone-based climate information system.
Sustainable Livelihoods of Kuruwitu Beach Management Unit
Alternative Income Generating incomes
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AIG's
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AIG's
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The Sustainable Livelihoods component of K-BMU was a vital element in the project, aimed at supporting associated value chain actors to improve their livelihoods. This building block involved mapping actors in the fisheries value chain, identifying opportunities for improvement through business plan development, and testing pilot trials to demonstrate viable options. The project successfully met its primary objective under Sustainable Livelihoods, contributing to the enhancement of livelihoods for K-BMU members and associated value chain actors.
Collaborative Mapping of Value Chain Actors: The joint effort by OA, KDoF, and K-BMU Executive to map all actors in the fisheries value chain facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the sector, enabling the identification of opportunities for improvement and ensuring equitable representation.
Rapid Assessment and Business Plan Development: The rapid assessment of value chains and the development of business plan outlines for various options helped identify viable and feasible opportunities for up-scaling, supporting K-BMU in making informed decisions.
Knowledge Sharing and Peer-to-Peer Training: The project's facilitation of knowledge sharing through peer-to-peer training enabled the exchange of best practices, supporting K-BMU members in exploring options for improving their livelihoods and establishing pilot demonstrations.
Support for Pilot Demonstrations: The project's assistance in establishing pilot demonstrations for various Blue Economy value chain options (e.g., product hygiene, restaurants, deep water fish opportunities, eco-tourism, Tengefu options, and coral gardening) provided K-BMU members with hands-on experience and insights into potential livelihood improvements.
Partnership and Technical Support: The partnership between OA, KDoF, and K-BMU Executive, along with the technical support provided, was crucial in facilitating the development of sustainable livelihoods for K-BMU members and associated value chain actors.
Importance of Inclusive Value Chain Mapping: The project highlighted the value of comprehensive and inclusive mapping of value chain actors, ensuring that all stakeholders are considered and represented in decision-making processes.
Viability of Diversified Livelihood Options: The experience with pilot demonstrations showed that diversifying livelihood options, such as exploring eco-tourism, Tengefu management, and coral gardening, can provide viable alternatives for improving the livelihoods of K-BMU members.
Capacity Building through Peer-to-Peer Training: The peer-to-peer training approach demonstrated its effectiveness in building capacities and sharing knowledge among K-BMU members, facilitating the adoption of best practices and new livelihood opportunities.
Need for Continuous Support and Monitoring: The project underscored the importance of ongoing support and monitoring to ensure the sustainability and scaling up of livelihood improvement initiatives, such as the pilot demonstrations established during the project.
Partnerships and Collaborative Approaches: The project's success was largely due to the collaborative efforts among OA, KDoF, K-BMU Executive, and other stakeholders, emphasizing the value of partnerships in achieving sustainable livelihood outcomes.
Management effectiveness and enforcement of the Kuruwitu Beach Management Unit Co - Management Area
MOU discussion
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MCS
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The Legal Framework of K-BMU was a foundational element in implementing the KCMA Plan, aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihoods and effective biodiversity conservation. This component involved upgrading the K-BMU Constitution and operational Bylaws, enhancing awareness among stakeholders, establishing a Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) system, and initiating the gazetting process for the Fishery Limitation Sites (FLS). The project achieved its primary objective under the Legal Framework, laying a solid groundwork for the sustainable management of marine resources.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The cooperation between K-BMU Executive, Kilifi Department of Fisheries ( KDoF), Oceans Alive, and other stakeholders like Kuruwitu Conservation Welfare-CBO (KCW-CBO) was instrumental in achieving the project's objectives, including the development of a joint MCS plan and a customized Marine Spatial Plan (MSP).
Technical Support and Capacity Building: The provision of technical support by OA to K-BMU and KDoF, along with capacity-building initiatives for enforcement teams, played a crucial role in the effective implementation of the Legal Framework.
Clear Division of Roles and Responsibilities: The project facilitated the clarification of roles between KDoF and K-BMU, particularly in enforcement and reporting, contributing to a more streamlined and effective conservation effort.
Involvement of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): The participation of KCW-CBO in the project, including the agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation, ensured that community interests and management practices (like those for Tengefu) were integrated into the overall conservation strategy.
Support for the Gazettement Process: The assistance provided to K-BMU Executive in negotiating with KDoF for the gazettement of the KCMA, Fish Landing Sites and other areas, contributed to securing tenure and legal standing for these protected areas.
Importance of Customised Solutions: The development of a customised MSP, tailored to the specific needs and user groups within the KCMA, highlighted the value of adaptive management approaches in conservation.
Community Engagement and Awareness: The project demonstrated that creating mass awareness and training members in sustainable resource use are essential components of successful conservation initiatives.
Partnerships and Agreements: The experience with the MoU between K-BMU, KCW-CBO, and KDoF showed that formal agreements can facilitate cooperation, joint operations, and benefit-sharing, leading to more effective conservation outcomes.
Legal Recognition and Security of Tenure: The process of gazettement for the KCMA and associated areas underscored the importance of legal recognition and secure tenure for the long-term protection and management of marine conservation areas.
Capacity Building for Enforcement: The project's focus on building capacity and equipping enforcement teams emphasized the critical role of effective enforcement in the success of conservation initiatives.
The governance component of the KCMA project, led by K-BMU, was designed to enhance the management and sustainability of coastal fisheries resources in Kilifi County. This involved enhancing the capacity of K-BMU and its executive to effectively govern and manage the fisheries, ensuring that all actors whose livelihoods depend on these resources are registered, licensed, and aware of their rights and duties. The governance framework was pivotal in achieving the project's primary objective of ensuring sustainable livelihoods from coastal fisheries resources.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The partnership between Oceans Alive, KDoF, and K-BMU Executive was crucial in providing technical assistance, awareness, and capacity building.
Legal and Policy Framework: The Fisheries Act, which devolves authority of territorial fishing rights to local artisanal fishermen, provided a legal basis for the co-partnership in management and implementation of the CMA of K-BMU.
Community Engagement: Wide awareness and inclusion of all members in the BMU Assembly meetings and the democratic election of K-BMU leaders ensured equitable representation and buy-in from the community.
Capacity Building: Training and provision of technical knowledge, toolboxes, and templates for data collection and M&E empowered the K-BMU leadership to effectively implement the CMA plan.
Importance of Legal Recognition: The process highlighted the importance of legal recognition and registration of all actors involved in the fishery to ensure security of tenure and empowerment of artisanal fishers.
Community Participation: The success of the project underscored the need for widespread community participation and awareness in governance and management decisions affecting their livelihoods.
Capacity Building: Continuous capacity building of local leadership and communities is essential for sustainable management and governance of fisheries resources.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Effective partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities can significantly enhance the governance and sustainability of natural resources.
Policy and Legal Frameworks: The existence of supportive policy and legal frameworks is critical for the successful implementation of governance and management plans for fisheries resources.
Information dissemination, communication with customers
The final product's value is created through sustainable development goals. It is essential this message is passed on to the customer through the acquisition of the product, whether it be furniture, a bracelet or ball pen.
Spending time at the facility, participating in a class or tour gives exposure to the processes in an innovative and creative manner. The facilitators are expert at providing
The focal point of recycling is a step by step process that transforms waste product into a reusable, valueable substance. The composition of the net is cleaned, crushed and restructured
Abandoned nets are broken down as raw material, the raw material transitions to a Recycler. The rPET is returned in pellet form
a lot of experimentation as to timing, size, application