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Farmers

SAARC Development Fund Launches AquaLivelihood Project to Transform Aquaculture Sector

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The SAARC Development Fund has launched the AquaLivelihood Project, a three-year initiative to uplift smallholder fish farmers and improve nutrition security across the region. The project, valued at $3.97 million, will directly benefit over 120,000 rural households, 30% of whom are women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The project is spearheaded by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in collaboration with government agencies from each participating country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AquaLivelihood Project is a regional initiative launched by the SAARC Development Fund to uplift smallholder fish farmers and improve nutrition security across the region.
  • The project is valued at $3.97 million, including a $3.23 million grant from the SDF and $739,109 in in-kind co-financing.
  • The project will directly benefit over 120,000 rural households, 30% of whom are women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
  • The project has three strategic components: survey and technology identification, infrastructure development, and capacity building and knowledge sharing.
  • The project will be implemented in selected locations across five SAARC Member States, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
  • The project aims to enhance income opportunities for rural communities, support national and regional goals for food and nutrition security, and promote policy alignment and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.
  • Aquaculture has shown significant growth in the region, with 11% in Nepal, 5.4% in Bangladesh, and 6-8% in India over the past decade.
  • Fish remains a key protein source in South Asia, sharing over 60% of animal protein supply in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
  • The project is aligned with the SAARC Charter, SAARC Social Charter, and the SDF's mission to promote poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and regional integration.
  • The project will be implemented in collaboration with government agencies, researchers, and communities, with a strong focus on gender equity and knowledge exchange.

Statistics:

  • The AquaLivelihood Project is valued at $3.97 million.
  • The project will benefit over 120,000 rural households, with 30% being women.
  • 60% of animal protein supply in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal comes from fish.
  • Aquaculture has shown 11% growth in Nepal, 5.4% in Bangladesh, and 6-8% in India over the past decade.
  • The project aims to enhance income opportunities for rural communities and support national and regional goals for food and nutrition security.

Sources:

  • SAARC Development Fund (SDF)
  • Indian Council for Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA)
  • National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA)
  • Department of Fisheries in Bangladesh
  • National Research and Development Centre for Aquaculture in Bhutan
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research, India
  • Central Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Centre in Nepal
  • National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA)

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