DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY BASED AQUACULTURE MODEL IN THE HILLY AREA OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Aquaculture is a growing industry in Bangladesh that contributing to overall fish production and economic growth. Expansion of aquaculture activities in hilly regions is necessary for improving the livelihood status of people, and engaging women and youths in fish farming. There are various problems and challenges in developing sustainable aquaculture in the hilly regions. The study was conducted at Matiranga Upazila, Bandarban district, one of the major hill tract regions of Bangladesh to identify existing problems of aquaculture and finding applicable solutions. The study aimed to develop a community based aquaculture model (CBAM) based on the analysis of existing problems and prospects of aquaculture in the study area. The study was conducted through survey and laboratory analysis in order to examine existing practiced farming strategy. Different types of PRA tools including focus group discussion (FGD), field visit, and farmers’ interview wereused to collect information on the existing farming strategy, problems, and prospects of aquaculture. Eleven species of fish were identified as culture species and polyculture(60%) was the most practiced methodof aquaculture in the study area. Transportation cost for seeds from remote sources was high (11% of total seed cost) and average mortality was recorded 7.2% for fry, 2.8% for fingerlings from the selected fish farms. The cost associated with feed was the major cost (58.4%) in aquaculture. Cost and revenue per decimal varied from 311 to3,528 BDT and 162 to 2,097 BDT respectively. Utilization of vacant lake, youth and women engagement, integrated aquaculture, people desire to engage in aquaculture, and available human resources were found as major prospects. The major problems were lack of hatchery, excessive feed cost, lack of stakeholder linkage, low fertility of the soil, and lack of proper knowledge, guidelines, and consultancy. A community based aquaculture model (CBAM) was developed based on the findings. The CBAM will help to improve the livelihood and income of the people of the study area and may contribute to sustainable aquaculture development in Bangladesh.