81313863-Conducting Aquaculture Training and Follow-Up Loops for Small-Scale Farmers in Luapula Province, Zambia

A gender-sensitive aquaculture training will be conducted for 1,000 small-scale producers in Luapula Province, Zambia, to increase their production by an average of 30%. The cumulative production of these 1,000 smallholders is currently estimated at 30,000 kg/year. A 30% increase would result in an additional 10,000 kg/year, reaching a total production target of 40,000 kg/year through sustainable small-scale aquaculture. These figures are subject to adjustment based on baseline findings, with the target remaining 30% above the baseline.

Sustainable small-scale aquaculture is defined as a technique that is environmentally friendly (adhering to agroecological principles), economically viable, socially accepted, and adapted to the capacities and needs of smallholder producers. The training must therefore consider the financial capacities of the producers and propose techniques suited to these constraints. Additionally, it should enhance participants' financial and business skills, enabling them to evaluate their production not only in terms of quantity but also in relation to investments and profits.

The currently low baseline production is primarily due to the extensive culture techniques used to farm local Tilapia species. Historical aquaculture training efforts have demonstrated that the provision of formulated feeds and high-performing fingerlings can significantly increase production beyond the target value. However, such inputs often exceed the financial means of the target group and are typically inaccessible-both economically and geographically-in the project region. As the project cannot subsidise or supply inputs that are unavailable post-project, sustainable aquaculture growth must rely on affordable and accessible resources.

The training will focus on improving pond productivity and promoting natural feed production through organic fertilization, effective pond management, intermittent harvesting, and other low-cost methods. Climate adaptation and risk management measures will also be included to minimize losses. These efforts will be supplemented by follow-up loops, designed to provide coaching and ongoing support to farmers. This approach ensures that participants can apply the knowledge gained, address challenges, and refine techniques over time.

The goal is to empower the target group to produce fish sustainably, monitor and evaluate economic outcomes, and independently enhance their techniques beyond the project"s duration.

Since 2019, the project "Fish for Food Security in Zambia (F4F)" has been part of the Global Program for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. Under this initiative, training manuals for small-scale aquaculture have been developed, and producers have received training in sustainable aquaculture practices. The training under this tender must build on the experiences, materials, local capacities, and successful concepts established by the Global Program.

The contractor's core responsibilities will include: - Conducting aquaculture training based on existing manuals. - Implementing follow-up and coaching loops to provide farmers with targeted support. - Using supplementary methods such as radio shows to enhance learning and engagement.