Abstract

Aquaculture development has a 40-year history in Cameroon and increasing fish production is a high priority. Development of integrated livestock/aquaculture systems, highly productive in Asia and in experimental situations in Africa, is the focus of this project. Three institutions will work to develop technically and socioeconomically appropriate integrated aquaculture packages. They are: the Ministry of Livestock Fisheries and Animal Industries; the Institute of Animal Research of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and the Dschang University Centre. Optimal stocking rates and input-output relations will be determined; production and profitability will be studied on research stations and on farms; and the system will be studied in relation to social characteristics.

Post-Project Summary

Researchers performed four on-station aquaculture trial runs (two with pigs, two with chickens). Farmers' field days were held to demonstrate the activities of the on-station trials. Local farmers were invited to perform on-farm trials. Six farmers participated. The farmers were responsible for calculating their returns and evaluating the effectiveness of the trials. Some farmers were "lead farmers" who disseminated research results and guided other farmers. Researchers determined the optimum (fish:livestock) ratios for integrated systems. The project illustrated the technical feasibility of such systems and determined that more protein per hectare of land can be produced with integrated livestock/aquaculture systems.

Members of the research team were involved in exchanges, meetings, and workshops with other African countries working on similar projects. An informal network of researchers was developed. The project team leader participated in the Second Workshop on Aquaculture Research Priorities in Africa; the first meeting of the Program and Strategy Review Committee of the IDRC Fisheries Program for Africa and the Middle East; and the Third International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture. As a result of the project, a policy framework, strategy, and master plan for donor agencies was developed for further research.

Recipient Institution(s)