Ex-post Evaluation

1. Outline of the Project

Country:

The Kingdom of Nepal

Project title:

The Natural Water Fisheries Development Project

Issue/Sector:

Fisheries

Cooperation Scheme:

Project-Type Technical Cooperation

Division in Charge:

Forestry and Natural Environment Department

Total Cost:

Period of Cooperation

November 1991 – October 1996
November 1996 – October 1998 (Follow-up)

Partner Country’s Implementing Organization:

Begnas Seed Production Centre

Supporting Organization in Japan:

Tokyo University of Fisheries, Kyoto University, Kochi University, Fisheries Research Agency, Nagano Prefecture (Fisheries Experimental Station), Saitama Prefecture (Fisheries Experimental Station)

Related Cooperation:

Grant Aid ”Project for the Natural Water Fisheries Development”
Dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers

1-1 Background of the Project

In order to improve the nutrient intake of the people of Nepal, the government of Nepal had prioritized the development of inland water fisheries, especially in the Pokhara Valley region, as a national policy in its 8th Five-Year Development Plan. Japan has worked with some success in this field since 1971, through the tireless efforts of such fisheries technicians as those who are part of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). The government of Nepal made a request in November 1988 to the Japanese government for Grant Aid and Project-Type Technical Cooperation in the field of inland fish breeding, in order to improve and expand the Begnas Seed Production Center (BSPC).

1-2 Project Overview

The project aimed at strengthening fish seed production, aquaculture, feed development and lake surveys, and improved the overall seed production capacity of BSPC. Upon completion of the project, both governments agreed to implement a follow-up project in order to enhance the research and management capacity of BSPC.

(1) Overall Goal
1) To develop the fish production in the mid-hill region of the nation like Pokhra.
2) To improve the nutrient intake of the people in the same region.

(2) Project Purpose
To strengthen the capability on research and management of the BSPC through technical transfer. for

(3) Outputs
1) Development of seed production technique.
2)Strengthening feed development.
3) Development of fresh water fish culture.
4)Establishment of survey technology ofc natural water.

(4) Inputs

2. Evaluation Team

Members of Evaluation Team

MB Pantha, Freelance Consultant

Period of Evaluation

November 10, 2002 – January 18, 2003

Type of Evaluation:

Ex-Post Evaluation by Overseas Office

3. Results of Evaluation

3-1 Summary of Evaluation Results

(1) Impact
Since the completion of the project, BSPC has increased its capacity to produce 1.8 million fish per year, making it easier to obtain seeds for fish stock from the center. As a result of the efforts by government of Nepal and NGO to revitalize fish farming, there is a great deal of aquaculture in the country’s lakes, ponds, and paddies. The Pokhara region produced 420 tons of fish (as of 2001), which is four times more than before the project started. BSPC is also stocking fish into lakes, which helped to increase fish catches from 36. 5 tons (1990/1991) to 48 tons (2000/2001).

The increase in aquaculture and fish catches has had many positive socio-economic benefits. For example, according to BSPC’s estimate in 2001, aquaculture yielded 46.75 million rupee of revenue, and provided about 1,000 households with opportunities for better income and employment. In particular, it has helped alleviate poverty. For example, those in the low caste who are living in the vicinity of lakes were able to stabilize their household income by organizing associations to work together in preserving fish farming. Residents’ consumption of fish has doubled over a 10-year period, helping to improve the nutrition intake of residents in high plains surrounded by mountains. Fish farming that was started in Pokhara has also spread to surrounding regions. In particular, NGO aid has helped in gradually spreading the area of paddy aquaculture, which has now grown to 19 hectares and produces about 8 tons of fish per year.

(2) Sustainability
The BSPC is maintaining its caoacity to produce fish seeds, and it currently produces 1.8 million fish annually, made up of eight fish species (including indigenous species). It produces about 35 tons of feed, 75% of which is used for tests and research and 25% of which is used for seed production. The project transferred techniques in the areas such as lake survey techniques, analysis techniques of water quality and plankton, and its data analysis method. BSPC is continuing to implement these studies on a regular basis. The data obtained is used to develop fish feed, and is also used in training aquaculture employees when they set up a preserve. Research surveys have been continued even after the project was completed. After 1998, BSPC issued 11 types of publications, such as research results and training materials.

Most of the staff members that received technical training during the project are still working at BSPC, so the transferred technology has been maintained. Use of equipment is good overall, but some equipment has not been usable since its delivery and some are not operable due to insufficient funds for maintenance. This weak financial foundation will be a difficulty for BSPC’s future sustainability. Although revenue from the sale of fish seeds is gradually increasing and it currently amounts to 20% of BSPC’s budget, this is still not enough.

3-2 Factors that Promoted the Realization of Effects

(1) Factors Concerning the Planning
N/A

(2) Factors Concerning the Implementation Process
The spread of fish farming owes a great deal to the coordinated efforts made by BSPC and the agricultural extension office, as well as other implementing agencies, including NGOs providing aid to farmers.

3-3 Factors that Impeded the Realization of Effects

(1) Factors Concerning the Planning
N/A

(2) Factors Concerning the Implementation Process
BSPC’s activities are restricted due to difficulties, such as operation failure, in using some of the equipment, and insufficient budget to cover equipment maintenance costs. BSPC’s water is supplied by the Begnus Lake, and since it tends to run low during the dry season, BSPC must use a pump to draw water. This leads to high electricity and production costs.

3-4 Conclusion

BSPC’s current fish seed production is higher than it was at the completion of the project, and activities such as feed development and lake surveys have been continued. The fish seeds produced at BSPC have revitalized aquaculture in the Pokhara region’s lakes, ponds and paddies, providing income and employment opportunities directly to 1,000 households. As of 2002, it had yielded 46.75 million rupee in economic benefits. Fish farming is gradually spreading to farmers in surrounding regions, creating a positive impact. BSPC’s operations still depend to a great extent on funds from other sources. Therefore, it is necessary to make an effort for ensuring financial sustainability.

3-5 Recommendations

(1) BSPC must choose a more efficient intake point so that it may use a smaller pump, in order to reduce the amount of electricity used for intake of water during the dry season.

(2) The market’s need for fish is high, but BSPC’s production capacity is limited. It is necessary to raise the region’s supply capacity by fostering private-sector businesses. Affiliations between BSPC, agricultural extension office, NGOs and universities should be strengthened in order to promote the spread of fish farming to the central upland plain regions. The aquaculture popularization programs should be based on farmer-participation.

(3) The BSPC should work with the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, its supervising institution, to work out a plan that will ensure financial sustainability. They should also consider cost-cutting measures for input costs, such as choosing equipment that does not incur maintenance fees.

3-6 Lessons Learned

The project strengthened fish seed production, aquaculture, feed development and lake surveys, and improved the overall seed production capacity through sharing of information. In other similar projects, it is also important to strengthen each component and develop affiliations.

3-7 Follow-up Situation

N/A