PART1: AQUACULTURE INFORMATION SYSTEM AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT IN EXTENSION SERVICE. PART2: AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

INTRODUCTION

Extension Education is the primary process through which the farmers can learn the reason for change, the value of change, the results that can be achieved through change. Extension is a type of education that is functional rather than formal and its main task is to convey meaniful information to the farmers. It is the major source to make farmers aware of alternatives from where they can choose the most desirable as well as how the different methods that exist for carrying outtheir farming and other operations Bangladesh is considered one of the most suitable countries in the world for aquaculture, because of its favourable agroclimatic conditions. Development of aquaculture has generated considerable employment through the production and marketing of fish and fish seed. The revolution in water/aquaculture-based food production systems (the socalled “blue revolution”) in Bangladesh has achieved a 50 percent increase in aquaculture production, mainly as a result of new semi-intensive technology using locally available feed ingredients and other inputs. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been helping the government to develop and test this technology in different agroclimatic regions of the country. Householders have at least doubled their income from raising carp and other fish in traditional backyard pools. This achievement has been facilitated through innovations in extension. Agriculture has a separate department for agricultural extension, but there is no clearly defined set-up for fisheries and aquaculture extension. The Department of Fisheries (DOF) is responsible for providing, inter alia, fisheries extension services. In the official organogram there is no division or section for fisheries extension. At the national level, there is a post of Chief Fisheries Extension Officer (CFEO), created through the development project “Scheme for strengthening of fisheries extension service in Bangladesh (1975-80)”. Upon the termination of the project, the post of CFEO was transferred to the revenue budget.

 

 

 

 

 

AQUACULTURE INFORMATION SYSTEM IN EXTENSION SERVICE

A well design information must be required for effective extension work. Extension workers in aquaculture must be able to obtain the necessary technical information to improve his personal technical knowledge with the latest research achievement. He can also obtain the necessary information for imparting in the first farmers. At the present moment such reliable aquaculture information system has yet to be developed in Bangladesh. Until then, the extension works still have to rely on the fragmented information in different journals and aquaculture reports.

Information Needs

There is a need to gather quantitative information on the two-way impacts, based on optimal use of natural resources for aquaculture, to develop effective planning and management methods, including cost-benefit analysis in the broad sense that considers social and environmental, as well as financial, aspects.

Information should be collected and collated for:

• Policy makers.
  
• Researchers.
  
• Local level planners.
  
• Private sector entrepreneurs.
  
• Extension workers.
  
• Farmers.
  

Mass media

Newspaper, radio, television, posters, etc. are used to disseminate basic information and simple technologies.

Print publications

The printed materials published by DoF are found most effective to deliver the technological information as the extension kits. The following types of printed extension kits have been developed and published by the Department during recent past.

1. Manuals
   1. Manual for farmers
   2. Manual for extension workers
   3. Manual for Training on Trainer (ToT)
2. Booklets
3. Leaflets
4. Posters

Electronic

Farm school on the air

Farm school on the air is a method of providing systematic education on farming to the farmers through the process of distance learning. The following are the steps involved in the broadcast of farm school through radio.

• Planning of a comprehensive syllabus through selection of topics by a subject committee
  
• Selection of the trainer to prepare the lessons, usually 15-20 on the selected topic
  
• Registration of names by the trainee listeners with the radio station
  
• Broadcast of lessons by the trainer on pre announced fixed fays, once every week, with provision for repeat broadcasts
  
• Lecture cum discussion and question answer format is used. Training session in the studio is participated by the trainer, an extension agent and a few farmers
  
• Broadcast of the summary and relevant question with answers from the trainer at the end of each lesson
  
• Trainee listeners mail answer sheets containing answers to the questions broadcast on each lesson
  
• Trainer evaluates the answer sheets and assigns marks
  
• Announcement of results over radio and issue of certificates of participation by the radio station to the trainee farmers
  
• In order to reach the education to illiterate and farmers not owning radio sets. Farm school trainees are utilized to spread the farm education they obtain from the farm school
  

Television

It is an electronic audio-visual medium which provides pictures with synchronized sound. This medium is cosmopolite in approach and can be used to create instant mass awareness. Television combines the immediacy of radio with the mobility of cinema and can carry messages over long distances at a relatively low unit cost. Television is multi-media equipment are transportable, allowing flexibility of use. Television can be viewed in an ordinary room.

In comparisons to motion picture, television can create more impact due to its flexibility, less time taken to record and telecast programmes and wider coverage. Compared to radio, television appears to have less impact in rural India mainly because of low availability of this medium dude to high cost of receiving sets. Coverage of more area by increasing the transmission facility of television does not necessarily indicate the availability of this medium and more effective progeammes can bring a real breakthrough in the utilization of Tv by the rural audience.

Educational role of television

Television programmes may be broadly classified as commercial and non commercial. Commercial or general telecasts are revenue raring and include music, dance, drama, serials, and cinema and also news, current affairs etc. non commercial or educative programmes are aimed at education and development rather that entertainment.

Non commercial or educational television are of two types one emphasizes community education and the other supplements academic education. Community education is non formal and deals with important issues relating to social and economic progress of the community. It includes basic adult education, rural development, agriculture, health, family, planning, workers’ education, self employment, consumer awareness, women’s liberation etc.

Instructional television, on the other hand, is integrated with relevant text books and is used to supplement academic education of selected homogeneous groups of people. Instructional television includes syllabus oriented or direct teaching of improve existing educational standards and services, and enrichment or indirect teaching of update knowledge and broaden mental horizon. The beneficiaries of these programmes may range from pre school children to university level adults.

According to Aram(1993), the satellite based interactive system is useful for education/ training in remote rural areas. The development of low cost talk back terminal, enabling a return voice link from the classroom to the teaching end id of considerable importance in view of the vast potential of such interactive applications,

Fish information system

Establishment of a national fish information /communication system (national INFOFISH). The meeting identified a need for both knowledge diffusion and sharing, and the generation of new knowledge. Much is already known, but is not widely disseminated. Perhaps there is the need for some focused and outcome oriented analysis of the knowledge gaps across the value chain so that effective use is made of scarce resources. The involvement of private companies in research funding was mentioned. This role requires them to clearly understand the value-add of the research done and to be able to capture the benefits of the knowledge generated. In other countries (e.g. Australia) because of market failures and an inability to capture benefits from research in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors, Rural Research and Development Corporations have been established. These RRDCs are funded partly by sectoral industry levies (e.g. wheat, wool, meat and livestock, fisheries) and partly by matching government grants. The RRDCs carry out highly targeted research the results of which are widely promulgated throughout the relevant sectors. One thing became clear during this session; there is a need for information sharing between aid projects, agencies, NGOs and other groups active in this sector. There are considerable opportunities for greater sharing of knowledge about basic science, successes and failures in adoption, market developments and other matters. It was suggested during the meeting that one possible forum for this is the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum. As the entire dynamic value chain develops there will be more need for information sharing, not less. Equally, if the sector is to develop its full potential, there will be a need for continuity of leadership and advocacy beyond the project level. In terms of extension and knowledge diffusion there is a need to clearly define the mandates and modus operandi of the various players in the chain. As new markets and players emerge, and new financial and risk management strategies emerge, then there will be a need for continued review and reform of institutional and other mandates.

The Information Needs of Farmers

There are many types of training courses held for farmers. Sometimes they are held for leading farmers, who are expected to spread the information to other farmers in their village. Training courses usually last for half a day or a day, and may consist of a village meeting, a field visit or a field discussion. Training courses are often organized in a hamlet (in one large house) or at the People’s Committee office. Leading farmers may be invited to the district extension office for a meeting there. The topics of these training courses are what farmers are interested in, or new technical information that is to be transferred to farmers: e.g. cultivation practices for specific crops, livestock health care, animal production, pest identification and control etc. In these training courses, extension leaflets, and sometimes technical handbooks or even samples of fertilizer or pesticide, are distributed free of charge to the participants. The financial support for these materials usually comes from the budget of the provincial government or the Ministry of Agriculture. Beside extension materials prepared by the provincial extension center, leaflets and posters prepared by commercial companies are also an important source of information for farmers. Many of them are of high quality, with good color pictures and clear guidelines. Some programs focus on special groups of farmers, such as livestock for women (local chicken raising, pig production) or agroforestry techniques for those living in the highlands. Leaflets and TV programs are the media preferred by farmers for technical information. Farmers can keep printed materials (especially leaflets with good, clear pictures) as a reference and use them for a long time. TV is another favored medium because it presents “hot news” and is easy to understand. In some areas, TV is less popular because of poor programs or reception difficulties, especially in mountainous areas. Radio does not seem to play an important role in extension. Field visits and meetings with extension staff are popular, but their number is limited by financial constraints.

Fig.1 Information flow in aquaculture extension

 

Fig. 2 Flow Chart of aquaculture information system pathways in aquaculture extension.

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT IN EXTENSION SERVICE

Aquaculture development during the decade preceding 1997 fostered an increase in annual production of about 200% to over 36 million tons overall or 28% of total global fish production, according to FAO statistics. This represents an average annual production increase exceeding 17% over that period. A rough estimate of investment that was required to achieve this increase is about US$75 billion in Year 2000 dollars. The funds for this development were provided from private sector investments, grants, loans, and governmental subsidies. The investment supported expansion of production facilities, research (including monitoring), disease diagnosis capacity, feed production, hatchery development, processing facilities, market channels, education, training, technical assistance, etc. Although much of the expansion can be attributed to private sector investment, there was also direct participation by local communities; national, private, and multilateral banks; governments; multilateral and bilateral agencies; non-governmental organizations; aquaculture associations and cooperatives; aquaculture research institutes; universities, and technical schools and colleges. Often, more than one and, in many instances, several of the above institutions have collaborated on the implementation of aquaculture development programs, using the relative strengths of each to its best advantage. Based on this experience and the comparative advantages of current activities that involve multiple agency collaboration with the receiving communities/households, it is expected that this trend will continue in the future. If aquaculture production continues to increase at the same rate that it did in the 1990s, the yield from aquaculture will equal that of marine capture fisheries by 2005 or a further increase of close to 250%. This would, however, require more intensive, co-ordinated institutional support and direct community involvement for sustainable results. The rapid increase in supply could also have significant impacts on market prices that would need to be effectively forecasted to assure that the investments are viable as was witnessed for some aquaculture products in some countries in the 1990s. The rapid development would also require close attention to potential environmental and social impacts and their prevention or mitigation.

(Anon, 2001)

There are two ways of looking at the issue of institutional capacity. One is that the probability of success of an investment project becomes better with well-developed institutional mechanisms. The other is that it is usually in areas that have poorly developed policy, institutional support and regulatory systems that are in greater need of development support. One key area that has increasingly been overlooked is the provision of credit and training in its management for the rural poor under fair market terms that improves profitability, broader access to markets, and, thereby, sustainability. Often, traditional credit institutions do not have the experience or capacity to evaluate aquaculture proposals and need to develop linkages to fisheries/aquaculture departments, agencies, or institutions to hire technical specialists to be able to assist in the assessments. Mechanisms to meet collateral needs often required for micro-credit/loans also need to be explored and researched, particularly for the rural poor who are often precluded from formal sources of funding due to collateral requirements. Examples along the lines of the practices of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh may be a good starting point for many countries. Accordingly, for the provision of credit, the range of options need to be explored among the institutions (banks, government finance systems, credit unions, cooperatives, NGOs, etc.) need to be considered as to whether they are the more appropriate agencies.
Support to improving research and extension capacities on technical aspects have, in the past, been substantial in many countries so that there is now, in most developing countries the critical mass of skilled R & D personnel, and fairly well developed management systems and infrastructures for research and extension. (Anon, 2001)

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT IN BANGLADESH

Historically the Government has been the main extension provider. However, DoF, with limited manpower, cannot physically reach all the potential aquaculture producers. As with many other countries, alternative providers have started to share this responsibility. Here these are the NGOs, private enterprises and local community members who exchange their information with fellow farmers. The Department of Fisheries has an important role to play in encouraging, co- ordinating and monitoring these initiatives.

The vast range of activities in the fisheries sector means that there are many different institutions

and agencies involved. All of these have a role to play and their activity should be encouraged, however these activities should be co-ordinated so as to ensure that their specific role is known and overlap of responsibilities is avoided. Some of this is done informally, however in some instances a more formal arrangement may be required through a Memorandum of Understanding

between the two parties. The AES encourages the formation of partnerships and linkages to make the best use of all institutions supporting extension in the field either directly or indirectly through the provision of information.

With peoples’ participation and decentralisation being central to the aquaculture extension strategies, local government will have a key role in coordinating field level extension activities. While they are not themselves a field extension service, it is their legal responsibility to co-ordinate, plan and implement local development and Union Parishads have a specific standing committee on “Fisheries and Livestock”.

 

 

Fig.3 Extension Providers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2. Potential Collaborating Partners and Linkages

Links with Research and Education

Research: Extension Links

The provision of information derived from targeted and meaningful research is essential for extension if technical problems are to be solved and new technologies generated. The links between research and extension need to bestrengthened so that research undertaken is based on the actual needs and problems faced in the field. The field testing and evaluation of research results must also be done in closer collaboration with field staff and farmers to ensure that the results are relevant to their needs. A means of achieving this may be the establishment of a research trust fund by the DoF, which is used to fund contracts for research into problems that have been identified from the field and ideally by farmers working together with Upazila field staff.

 

Education: Extension Links

The information and skill needs of the extension providers are constantly changing. Initially extension was technology driven and so technical training was seen as the priority. Now this is balanced by the need for training in social skills, group formation and promoting local participation. The curriculum therefore has to be constantly updated to reflect current needs. This can only be possible by developing a strong link between the education establishments and the extension providers. A principle role for DoF in the future is likely to be as a secondary trainer of field staff of the NGOs and other field trainers. Links should be established to both local and international education institutions to ensure that the field staffs are up-to-date with current information to pass on during this training. Research: Education Links There is also a need to ensure that there is a strong link between the Universities and Research Institutions, to ensure that the most up to date information is being taught.

Fig. 4 Links with Research and Education

 

 

 

 

Supporting Activities of Different Intuitions in Extension Service

Activities of DoF

• Fisheries Extension Service
  

In the recent past, several development projects of Dof have been launched with strong extension and institutional strengthening components for both carp and shrimp culture. Different approaches and strategies of aquaculture have been adopted under different projects. DoF has engaged a number of NGO’s in extension activities under some of its projects. Extension efforts of DoF both in revenue as well as development set-up are still inadequate. Extension services include technical advice on all sorts of aquaculture and related activities, publication and distribution (Free of Cost) of booklets, posters, leaflets etc.

There is a need to strengthen DOF’s capability to cater the service to the private sector in aquaculture production and marketing.

• Fisheries credit facilities
  

Several credit programs were launched by the Government of facilitate fisheries activities at private. Some of these are:

• Credit programs for private aquaculture (since 1978).
  
• Collateral free credit program for aquaculture under Aquaculture Extension Project in Mymensingh (since 1988-89).
  
• From different development projects
  

Table3. Projects Undertaken by DoF during 2003-2004

(Source: DoF, 2003)

Activities of BFRI

• Research Division
  

  This division comprises of two units:
  

  • The program section which taking care of planning and monitoring of research and statistics and socio-economic studies
    
  • The operation unit which taking care of operation of the four reseach stations, namely, the Freshwater Station (FS) at Mymensinghm, the Riverine Station (RS) at Chandpur, the Brackishwater Station (BS) at Paickgacha of Khulna and the Marine and Fisheries Technology Station (MFTS) at Cox’s Bazar.
    

  There are two sub-stations:
  

  a)    Reservoir Fisheries Management Sub-station at Rangamati
  

  b)    Flood Plain Ecosystem Management Sub-station at Santahar, Bogra
  

• Training and Co-ordination
  

  This division provides short-term training programs on different aspects of fish culture and technology to field level extension workers, fish farmers and relevant staff engaged in various non-government and government organizations. Besides, arrangements are periodically made for holding of seminars, workshops, symposia and academicians and conferences with a view to exchange the ideas among the planners, academicians and researchers of the country. Co-ordination of similar programs undertaken by the headquarters and the research stations is the responsibility of this division. A strong library system is under way for timely dissemination of the largest knowledge among the researchers.
  

• Support Service Division
  

This division has two units:

• The technical division with the responsibilities of engineering and procurement activities and
  
• The administration and finance section with the administrative and financial activities of the Institute
  

  (Source: Chakrabarti, 1999)
  

Table 4. Projects undertaken by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute

(Source: DoF, 2003)

Table 5. Projects undertaken by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute

(Source: DoF, 2003)

Activities of BFDC

1.    Take measure for the development of fisheries and fishing industry

2.    Establish fishing industries

3.    Establish units for preservation, processing, distribution and marketing of fish and fishery products

4.    Acquire, hold and dispose of fishing crafts

5.    Undertake surveys and investigation for fisheries resources

6.    Establish fish catching unit to build up organized body for fisheries exploitation

7.    Lend fisheries industry and fishermen co-operative committee

8.    Encourage fishermen co-operative society

9.    Take measure and establishment of training and research institute for fisheries resources exploitation, processing, transportation, storing and distribution

10.    Establish organization for fish and fisheries products export

(Source: Chakrabarti, 1999)

Role of Different NGOs

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), both national and international, play an important role in aquaculture development. Out of 772 NGOs listed in the Directory of PVDOs/NGOs in Bangladesh prepared in 1995 by ADAB, about 300 are said to be involved in aquaculture activities. Some information about 13 selected NGOs with substantial involvement in aquaculture development has been collected. Their main involvement relates to organising and training the landless and assetless people in aquaculture, creating opportunities for the trained people to earn their livelihood through fish farming in Government owned water bodies, and organising institutional loans for the target groups. Aquaculture activities include hatchery operation, nursery rearing of fry and fingerling, growout operations, and socio-economic studies of the fish farmers. Some important NGOs are listed below:

1.    Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC)

2.    Proshika Mannobik Unnayan Kendra

3.    Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS)

4.    Care International Bangladesh (CARE)

5.    Caritas Bangladesh

6.    Association for Social Advancement (ASA)

7.    Gano Shahajya Sangstha (GSS)

8.    Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB)

9.    Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)

10.    Saptagram Nari Swanirvar Parishad

11.    Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB)

12.    Friends in Village Development

13.    Manabik Sahajaya Sangstha

14.    Technical Assistance for Rural Development (TARD)

15.    Samaj Unnayan Protesta

16.    Dipshikha

17.    Annayyan Mahila Samity

18.    Activities for the Landless Organized with Consciousness (ALOC)

19.    Bangl;adesh Nari Pragati Sangstha

20.    International Union for Conservation of Nature and Neutral Resources

21.    World Fish Bangladesh

22.    Department For International Development (DFID)

23.    South Asia Partnership- Bangladesh (SAP)

24.    Nature Conservation Movement

25.    Asian Wetland Bureau

26.    DANIDA etc.

(Source: Chakrabarti, 1999)

Bank Support

List of Commercial Banks

1.    Bangladesh Krishi Bank

2.    Sonali Bank

3.    Agrani Bank

4.    Janata Bank

5.    Rupali Bank

6.    Samabay Bank

7.    Karmosangsthan Bank

8.    Islami Bank Ltd.

9.    Arab Bangladesh Bank Ltd.

10.    Prime Bank, etc

Considering the importance of fisheries sector the banks are playing vital role in the development and management of fisheries, such as:

• Banks involvement in various fisheries credit program to meet the vast credit requirements of the fish farmers, fishermen, fish processors and other fisheries related activities.
  
• The concept of fisheries credit has been changed so that small scale fishermen and fish farmers are better-served.
  
• Banks lending-procedure for small loans have been made collateral free so that small fish farmers and fish farmers and fishermen get credit facilities.
  
• As far as possible small loans are administrated as group based following micro credit concepts.
  
• Interest is charged from the borrowers so that the institutions remain economically viable.
  
• Bank based credit schemes are continued to support the needs of different types of fish farmers, fishermen, fish processors and so on.
  
• Mechanisms are gradually developing so that overlapping loan operation does take place and defaulter of one bank can not get accommodation in other banks.
  
• Reward for fulfilling disbursement target and good recovery of loans side by side penalty mechanism for poor disbursement has been introduced to ensure accountability of the person concerned.
  
• Reward for food repayment and penalty for defaulter borrowers/entrepreneurs are going to be introduced.
  
• The Bank conducted a comprehensive fisheries sector review in 1991 which provided the basis to a strategy agreed with Government pf Bangladesh for developing the sector.
  

  (Source: Chakrabarti, 1999)
  

Future Guidelines

• Inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination and linkages should be developed and strengthened at all levels from the ministerial levels through to Union Parishad.
  
• It should be recognised that collaboration is necessary to reach the large number of producers with the limited number of field staff available and that a significant amount of such collaboration is already taking place.
  
• Collaboration between public, NGO and private sector service providers should be increased to ensure the optimal utilisation of all available resources with quality control safeguards in place.
  
• The DoF should encourage linkages and further develop relations with Universities and Research bodies and demand-led research should be encouraged.
  
• The DoF should engage in the debate on changing school curricula. (Where Agriculture/aquaculture are no longer compulsory subjects in the secondary curriculum).
  
• The Government, NGO and private sector roles in aquaculture extension should be defined and developed.
  
• The establishment of CBOs should be encouraged and these then linked to financing and extension.
  
• Stronger links should be established between policy planners, field workers and users of extension services.
  
• GoB and Cooperating Partner inputs should be linked to promote a programme approach to extension providing a long term and coherent commitment to development of the sector.
  
• Successful joint-ventures should be publicised through DoF notice boards, circulars and newsletters.
  
• A resource list of extension materials should be developed and distributed to all District/Upazila extension personnel.
  
• Assessment of skills and techniques of partnerss should be introduced to encourage Upazila, District, Division and HQ staff to build linkages and partnerships in their working communities.
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

An aquaculture demonstration is a clear and practical presentation of production techniques in aquaculture. It may be two types:

1. Result Demonstration and
   
2. Method Demonstration
   
3. Result Demonstration
   

It is a method of motivating the people for adoption of a new practice by showing its distinctly superior result. The demonstrations are conducted in the farm or home of selected individuals and are utilized to educate and motivate groups of people their neighborhood. This is a very effective method for the transfer of technology in a community.

Demonstrations may stimulate farmers to try out innovations themselves, or may even replace a test of the innovation by the farmer. They can show the causes of problems and their possible solutions without complicated technical details. A great advantage of demonstration is seeing how an innovation works in practice.

Conducting demonstration with own hands shall encourage the farmers to act on a scientific basis, rather than something which is magical. Demonstrations, to be effective, should be integrated with the total extension programme.

Objectives

• To show the advantages and applicability of a newly recommended practice in farmer’s own situation.
  
• To motivate groups of people in a community to adopt a new practice by showing its result.
  
• To build up confidence of the farmers and extension agents.
  
• To develop innovation leadership.
  

   

Technique, Planning and preparation

• Analyze farmers’ situation and select relevant profitable practices, in consultation with research and farmers.
  
• Select a few responsible ad cooperating farmers having adequate resourced and facilities and having acceptance in the local community for conducting the demonstration. This, however, does not mean that big farmers are to be selected.
  
• Select representative locations for conducting the demonstrations where it will be easily visible to a large number of people in the community.
  
• Prepare a calendar of operation.
  

Implementation

• Explain the objective and steps to the demonstrating farmers. Organize materials and equipments necessary for conducting the demonstration.
  
• Give adequate publicity about the demonstration.
  
• Start the demonstrations on the scheduled date and time, in front of those who may be present. Explain the objective to those who are present.
  
• Arrange method demonstration where a new skill is involved.
  
• Put up suitable, signboard for each demonstration in prominent places. The signboards should be colourful and visible from a distance. Local language should invariably be used on the signboard
  
• Ensure that all critical operations are done in time and try to supervise them personally.
  
• Conduct field day or farmers’ day around successful demonstrations.
  
• Tale photographs. Help the demonstrating farmers to maintain records.
  
• Motivate as many farmers as possible to remain present at the time of final assessment of the result
  
• Let the demonstrating farmers explain to the visitors a far as possible
  
• Analyze and interpret the results, and compare them with the farmers’ existing practice
  
• Emphasize applicability of the new practice in the farmers’ own situations.
  

Follow –up

• Use the results of the demonstration in future extension work and also pass on to the mass media for further dissemination.
  
• Utilize demonstration farmers in farmer’ meetings and training programmes
  
• Prepare visual aids, particularly photographs, coloured slides, chart etc. on the demonstrations for future extension programmes.
  
• Avoid conducting subsequent demonstrations with the same farmers.
  

Advantages

• Increase confidence of the villagers.
  
• Development of local leaders.
  
• Good place to home farm and home meeting.
  
• Useful in introducing a new practice.
  
• Appeals to the eye and reaches the ‘show me’ individual.
  
• Most effective as a result in seen.
  

Limitations

• Need more time, energy and funds for extension work.
  
• Unsuccessful demonstrations may cause some setback to extension work.
  
• Good demonstration is difficult to find out.
  
• Teaching value frequently destroyed by unfavorable weather and other factors.
  

   

1. Method Demonstration
   

It is given before a group of people to show how to carry out an entirely new practice or an old practice in a better way. It is essentially a skill training, where the emphasis is on effectively carrying out a job, which shall improve upon the result. It involves seeing, hearing, participating and practicing in a group which shall stimulate interest and action. Method demonstration is sometimes used as complementary to result demonstration.

Objectives

• To teach skills and stimulate people to action
  
• To get rid of inefficient or ineffective movements
  
• To improve upon the result by doing in a better way
  
• To build up learners’ confidence and satisfaction on the practice
  

Technique, Planning and preparation

• Decide on the topic, target audience and venue of demonstration
  
• Select a topic which is important and needed by the group for immediate use
  
• Contact subject matter specialists and endure their participation
  
• Collect relevant information, materials and equipments
  
• Identify the steps in conducting the demonstrating. Practice the demonstration to ;be sure about its correct presentation
  
• Decide on the date and time in consultation with the local leaders and give timely intimation to all concerned
  
• Complete all arrangements for the demonstration
  
• Display diagrams, charts, graphs etc. at the demonst5ration site
  

Implementation

• Start the demonstration on the scheduled date and time
  
• Show each operation step by step, explaining clearly why and how it is being done
  
• Ensure that all the participants have seen the demonstration and have understood it. Repeat difficult steps, if required.
  
• Invite the participants one by or in small batches to practice the skill. Clarify doubts and answer to their questions.
  
• When everybody has practiced the skill and has expressed confidence, emphasize on the key points again.
  
• Hand over the relevant publications.
  

Follow-up

• Keep a record of the participants and maintain contact with them.
  
• Assist the participants in getting the required materials and equipments.
  

Advantages

• It teaches many people at a time.
  
• Stimulate action because seeing, hearing, discussing and participating in a group are employed.
  
• Builds confidence in demonstration who is usually an extension worker.
  
• Provides opportunity for the development of leadership.
  
• Influences changes in practice with people at a single meeting.
  

Limitations

• It is sometimes difficult that all members of the audience are unable to see the demonstration clearly.
  
• It may require considerable equipments to be transported to the demonstration place.
  
• This is not applicable for all extension purposes.
  
• Many people may not able to practice the skill due to time constraints.
  

Trickle Down System (TDS) of Aquaculture Extension

The Genesis and Concept

The trickle-down extension system is a participatory approach, designed to disseminate appropriate technology through method and result demonstrations.

Experience gained from better organized and established extension services in the food farming sector clearly indicate that in addition to a dedicated and efficient extension services network, appropriate extension approach is also needed to provide definite direction to the programme operation and to amplify its impacts. Depending upon the existing socio-economic and cultural setting, knowledge, skill, experience and education levels, the needs and requirements of the client groups, their location, transportation facilities and in the background of overall national aquaculture development programme, several approaches and strategies could be designed.Appropriate approaches are usually designed while keeping two main objectives in mind. The first being to get closer to the client groups and get familiar with their wants and needs, tradition and culture, resources and constraints and potential for development, existing knowledge and skill, farming practices being followed, marketing and pricing of the products etc. Once a close relationship is established and these information are available, the next objective is to draw their interest and active participation in solving their problems, plan common action for improving their existing aquaculture practices and attract new entrants. Approaches are drawn to ensure achieving the extension objectives at a faster rate with economy of time and resources.

The TDS approach of aquaculture extension is a participatory farmer to farmers extension approach which involves an initial bottom-up participatory planning of extension programme and thereafter a lateral spread of knowledge and skills of improved culture technology. TDS ensures an active flow of information from the Result Demonstration Farmers (RDFs) to the Fellow Fish Farmers (FFs) by involving both categories of participating farmers in the extension programme.

The TDS approach of aquaculture was developed and successfully demonstrated in Bangladesh, though on a limited scale, by the FAO / UNDP project “Institutional Strengthening in the Fisheries Sector” (BGD/87/045) during 1990-1993 (Karim, 1997). The project also recommended the strengthening and institutionalizing of the aquaculture extension services under the Department of Fisheries (DOF), Government of Bangladesh. Convinced by the viability and sustainability of the TDS approach, the Government of Bangladesh submitted a formal request to the FAO for assistance under Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) with the main objective of demonstrating the TDS system on a pilot scale. As requested, the FAO assistance was made available in the form of a FAO TCP project “Strengthening Pond Fish Culture Extension”. The project successfully demonstrated the application of TDS of aquaculture extension on a pilot scale in 52 out of 64 districts of the country during 1994-96. The pilot scale operation also helped in further fine tuning of the approach.

As an initial step, an aquaculturists group was organized at the village level and by employing the Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) technique, a broad based participatory assessment was made about the size and type of aquaculture resources, local availability of essential inputs, status of farming practices, local farming skill, ability to mobilize the extraneous inputs, constraints, etc. In the background of such information and with due considerations to the existing socio-economic environment, needs and problems of the local communities, appropriate alternative technology packages were suggested. Once the interest was visible, Result Demonstration Farmers (RDFs) were selected with the consent of the group to take up the appropriate culture technology for trial. Adequate extension support was extended to the RDFs through repeated short time instructional training and periodical home/pond visits to conduct the demonstration of the selected aquaculture technologies in their ponds. Once the crop attained the presentable stage they were encouraged and assisted to organize practical training for their Fellow Farmers (FFs) by demonstrating the various steps of culture technology and displaying the crop. The role of the RDFs was constantly highlighted and appreciated and that helped in raising his/her status in the community and therefore acted as a valuable incentive for them. RDFs were thus groomed as voluntary extension workers who worked on behalf of the Department of Fisheries. This inspired the RDFs to take more interest in propagating the aquaculture technology in the surroundings. In the subsequent cropping cycles some of the FFs came forward to take up similar demonstration function and thereby graduated to become RDFs and in turn involve other farmers as FFs. This chain of events went on in the farming community.

The approach had helped in developing an “extension” culture among the senior as well as field staff of the DOF and institutionalizing the aquaculture extension services system under the DOF. It seems relevant to mention that unlike in the agriculture sector where primary activity is extension, the fisheries sector has multi-faceted responsibilities ranging from management of fisheries/aquaculture resources under the state/public ownership such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, flood plains etc., to provision of extension services to fish farmers and fishers communities. Additionally, most of such resources are remotely located, as a result accessibility by public transport system is extremely difficult.

Encouraged by the good results, the Government of Bangladesh launched a nation wide project on aquaculture extension based on TDS approach through its own funding in 1996.

 

Fig.5 Conceptual Illustration of trickle-down system (TDS).

RDF: Result Demonstration Farmer

FFF: Fellow Fish Farmer

 

Trickle Down System (TDS) in Aquaculture Technology Demonstration

Result and Method demonstrations were the integral part of TDS approach. This method was particularly very effective as majority of the client groups were resource poor and illiterate or semi-literate, and as such they had the tendency of avoiding taking risk. Demonstrations offered them opportunity to observe the difference between the improved and the traditional culture practices. It created greater impact when they were able to see that someone from their own community had been successful in following the recommended package of practices and benefited. These result demonstrations also created a sustainable teaching method based on “seeing is believing” and also developed the confidence of the extension agents.

Demonstration sites were also used for conducting in situ training for the farmers through display of the crop and demonstration of various steps of the package of practices that were followed by the RDFs. Learning through this method was concrete as it was essentially a doing method and allowed for repetition and practical exercises. The success of the demonstration was ensured because of its simplicity and presentation of concrete results. However, it was also considered to be a risky method mainly because the lateral spread of the improved technology package depends largely on the performance of the RDFs. If results are not up to the expectations of FFs, they tend to loose interest and withdraw. Result of the demonstration, however, depends upon several factors but the most important are the appropriateness of the technology package being introduced, quality of extension services and interest and seriousness of the RDFs. In this context it is important to mention that selection of RDFs is critically important. It was also noted that liberal input assistance often lured such farmers who were more interested in immediate gain than long term benefit from the improved farming practice. It is also experienced that more the farmers invest from their own resources, more serious they remain in following the recommendations.

Demonstrations of new or improved culture or hatchery techniques are provided either in a suitably located private or Government-owned pond. In either case the demonstrations are open to any interested persons. In the case of private ponds, extension workers provide the pond owner with repeated training and advice. The pond owner is expected to extend the new knowledge and techniques to fellow farmers who, in turn, are expected to disseminate the knowledge to more farmers. Whenever and wherever this method has been organised properly, the new information has trickled down to a large number of farmers in a short time. The trickle- down system (TDS) of extension was introduced under an FAO/UNDP project, “Institutional trengthening in the Fisheries Sector.” The system works (as described by NACA) as follows:

• TDS ensures an active flow of information from the result demonstration farmers (RDFs) to the fellow fish farmers (FFFs) by involving both categories of participating farmers in the extension programme. A farmers’ group is organised at the village level and, through a Rapid Rural Appraisal, an account is drawn about the aquaculture resources, local availability of essential inputs, state of farming practice, available skill, ability to mobilise the extraneous inputs, constraints and others through the participation of the villagers.
  
• Having painted a vivid backdrop of the socio-economic situation, needs and problems, appropriate aquaculture technologies are identified and introduced highlighting advantages, profit potential, low cost, greater possibilities of using locally available inputs, and simplicity and application.
  
• Once interest is elicited, RDFs are selected with the consent of the villagers. Only one or two farmers selected as RDFs are trained repeatedly through day-long practical demonstration cum training. Subsequently they are given regular extension support through home and pond visits to conduct demonstration of the improved practice in their own pond. FFs are advised to wait and watch for the results being achieved by the RDF. As soon as the crop reaches an advanced stage, fellow farmers are invited to attend a one day on site training.
  
• Extension workers encourage RDFs to conduct the practical training to their fellow farmers by demonstrating the various steps of culture practice and displaying the crop. The role of the RDF is constantly highlighted. Appreciated in the community, it helps raise the social status of the RDF in their community. RDFs are in fact groomed as voluntary extension workers on behalf of the Department of Fisheries. This stimulates the RDF to take more interest in propagating the practice and helping other farmers in adopting the technology package. After having been convinced by seeing the results, and receiving training some of the FFFs adopt the technology and graduate to become RDFs and in turn involve other farmers as FFs. This chain of events goes on in the farming community.
  
• Briefly, the TDS approach of aquaculture extension involves a bottom-up planning of extension programme and a top-down and horizontal flow of knowledge and skills on improved culture technology. It was developed in Bangladesh through the FAO/UNDP project “Institutional Strengthening in the Fisheries Sector. ” Subsequently a pilot scale trial was conducted covering 100 of 464 Thana of the country through an FAO Technical cooperation project. The encouraging results prompted the Government to launch a nationwide project on aquaculture extension based on TDS through its own funding.
  

Criteria for selecting Result Demonstrator

Success of TDS depends largely on the success of the demonstration which further depends on the right type of RDF. Though RDFs are selected by the participating community, due considerations should be given to the following criteria.

• Preferably RDFs should be the sole owner of the pond and able to devote considerable time for pond fish farming activities. If pond is taken on lease it should be at least available for the next 2-3 years. Absentee pond owners should not be selected as RDF.
  
• RDFs should be selected from the cross section of the community so that they represent various socio-economic groups which comprise the village society.
  
• Framing should be their primary profession and preferably with some experience in aquaculture.
  
• They should preferably be literate so that they can read and write.
  
• They should be people of reputation in their own communities and preferably should be those from whom other farmers would seek advice.
  
• They should be receptive to new ideas and practices and willing to try them out and spread the acquired knowledge to other fish farmers in the locality.
  
• They should be willing to meet and assist the extension agent during their visits. All problems associated with adaptations of new methods/technologies and the results of the technology adopted should be discussed during the meeting.
  
• To ensure wider dispersal, RDF ponds should not be next to each other. The pond should be so located that they offer good demonstration effect to the large number of neighbouring farmers.
  
• Preference be given to women to demonstrate the application of improved technology in homestead ponds.
  
• Preference should also be given to religious heads and/or school teachers if resources are available and if they are interested in fish culture.
  
• The culture facility / pond is not risk prone (flooding, poaching etc.)
  
• The leader of the group assigned to take responsibility of managing community/ village pond or government water body may be a potential RDF. In such a case, though the group leader acts as a focal point, in reality, the entire group becomes the Result Demonstrator.
  

Role of Result Demonstrator Farmer

RDFs generally represent their community. The role of RDF, therefore should be well defined and should be known to him/ her.

• Select FFs from their own community or adjoining villages.
  
• Keep regular contact with FFs, other members of the community and the extension agent and discuss all matters related to their farming operation.
  
• Take lead role in conducting in situ training programme or demonstration for their FFs.
  
• Try out new ideas and practices in their own pond/facility recommended by the extension agents (TFOs/AFOs/FA)
  
• Assist and motivate FFs and other farmers in adopting new ideas and practices in their own facilities.
  
• Take frequent visit to his/her FF’s ponds/facilities.
  
• Follow all the recommended technologies from the beginning to the end of the farming package and keep records of inputs used and results obtained.
  
• List problems that need special attention of the extension agent and bring these to their notice.
  
• Assume active leadership role and initiates cooperative group action.
  
• Work as voluntary extension agent on behalf of the Department of Fisheries.
  

Changing the Result Demonstrator Farmer

Although result demonstration is one of the most effective method of extension, it is equally risky. If it fails to exhibit the expected results it will lead to disastrous consequences. The people will lose faith and the extension agent will loose face. Approaching the community will become doubly difficult in future. This implies that RDFs are critically important human factor in TDS. Inspite of careful selection, there may be some RDFs who may not show active interest or may not be keen to discharge their responsibility as RDFs. Under such circumstance, they are no longer effective RDFs and should be replaced carefully and tactfully. On the other hand, however, the demonstration may go wrong due to factors beyond RDF’s control. In such events, the RDF deserves more support and encouragement.

Training of Result Demonstration Farmers (RDFs)

As described earlier, RDFs were selected through organizing RRA at the village level. RRA was followed by a short training. Selected RDFs were advised to prepare their ponds and in the meantime one day long short training was organized for them which was repeated two to three times during the course of the crop cycle.

Training was conducted at or near the pond of one of the RDF. During the initial phase of the project, these training courses were conducted either at Field Unit/Thana Office or at DOF farms. The training module was designed to develop self confidence, self respect, leadership quality, managerial capability and aquaculture skill among RDFs. To make the training more participatory, an informal approach was followed. During the course of the training, RDFs were encouraged to raise and discuss their problems and clear their doubts. Adequate attention was also given to make them understand the need for maintaining the records of income, expenditures, inputs, yield, hazards encountered, and other details. A simple record keeping book was specially designed and introduced for this purpose. During the course of the training they were also reminded about their social and moral responsibility to help and train 5-10 neighboring fish farmers (FFs) who were going to be selected at their recommendation. Whenever possible relevant examples were cited from local sayings/religious guidelines. Appropriate teaching methods and tools were developed and employed for making the communication more effective. After 3-4 months of field operation, similar one day long training was again organised for 10-15 RDFs near one of the demonstration pond site. The second training refreshed them once again, helped the extension agent to review the progress and problems of the RDFs and take appropriate follow-up actions. At this stage they were encouraged to discuss their on-farm problems and solutions were advised. They were also trained on how to organize and conduct method demonstrations and training for their FFs. These practical training also helped the extension personnel in developing their teaching, training, extension and organizational capabilities.

RDF demonstrating results

Method demonstration is a type of demonstration through which RDF/extension worker demonstrates a particular step of a fish culture technology package or certain impact creating points. For example, fish farmers may be shown how to pack seed and transport, how to treat the seed and stock them in the pond, how to prepare and apply manure and feed, how to tackle problems like dissolved oxygen depletion or disease outbreak, etc. Ideally, each participant should be given an opportunity to practice the new skill during the method demonstration session. However, limitation of time and facilities may not permit to do so especially when a large number of fish farmers are participating.

 

 

 

Fig.6 RDF demonstrating results.

 

RDF taking lead role in method demonstration

During the process of demonstration, the agent’s role should be supervisory and supportive and not to undertake the work by himself/herself. The RDFs should be encouraged to explain the results in terms of production and its economic viability to the FFs and other members of the community to create interest and attention.

 

 

Fig.7 RDF taking lead role in method demonstration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

Aquaculture information system, institutional support and aquaculture technology demonstration, all of those are very important portions or part to conduct a good extension work (we already understood from the above discussion). So, we must know properly about these things not only to conduct a good extension work but also to increase the aquaculture production and thereby increase our earnings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

Chakrabarti, B. K., 1999. Fisheries Institutions in Bangladesh: Their Role in Fisheries Education and Management. An undergraduate Thesis, Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna. 3-37 pp.

Department of Fisheries (DoF), 2003. 12-26 August. Department of Fisheries (DoF), 30-55 pp.

Department of Fisheries (DoF), 2002. 10-24 August. Department of Fisheries (DoF), 55 p.

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL), 1995. National Workshop on Fisheries Resources Development and Management in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh 29 October – 1 November, 1995. 25-176 pp.

Anon, 2001. Aquaculture development: financing and institutional support. In R.P. Subasinghe, P. Bueno, M.J. Phillips, C. Hough, S.E. McGladdery & J.R. Arthur, eds. Aquaculture in the Third Millennium. Technical Proceedings of the Conference on Aquaculture in the Third Millennium, Bangkok, Thailand, 20-25 February 2000. pp. 259-263. NACA, Bangkok and FAO, Rome.

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