The FISH 2018 Annual Report > Capacity development

Boosting aquaculture through farmer-to-farmer learning
Small-scale aquaculture has significant potential to diversify livelihoods, raise incomes and create employment opportunities as well as improve household food security through greater access to fresh, nutritious fish. Despite these benefits, few farmers in Sierra Leone are currently engaged in aquaculture, mainly because the concept of fish farming for business is relatively new in the country.
As part of our efforts to support the development of the national aquaculture sector, we have been developing and testing participatory extension approaches designed to give farmers the skills and knowledge they need to operate profitable aquaculture businesses.
Of the extension approaches tested to date, our research suggests that the most successful learning occurs at the pond site. Through exchange visits, new and interested farmers are able to observe the construction of fishponds, receive assistance in farm management, ask questions and hear about challenges and successes from their peers.
We are very happy to show other people our ponds and try to bring them on board. There is high demand for fish in our communities and we alone cannot supply all the fish needed all year round. It is also a privilege to help impact other people’s lives and improve their livelihoods.Jeremiah Janjuma,lead farmer, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone
Jeremiah Janjuma, one of the lead farmers in Bumbuna community, stocked his first pond with tilapia fingerlings in August 2017 and shared his progress with other farmers. In his 500 m2 pond, he produced 137 kg of fish. He sold 117 kg of that and earned 700,000 Sierra Leonean leones (USD 43). He reserved the remaining 20 kg for household consumption.
Sustained attention to creating an enabling environment for farmer-to-farmer learning and equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge to run businesses will ensure that long-term benefits are maintained and scaled up beyond the duration of the project.
In addition, the willingness of lead farmers to act as community extension workers and spearhead the adoption of better farming techniques through training sessions and knowledge sharing holds the promise of transforming the aquaculture sector in Sierra Leone.