Opportunities for aquaculture in the ethnic Garo community of northern Bangladesh

The adoption of aquaculture in small shallow ponds, ditches and rice fields by the Garo households of northern Bangladesh has been limited. However, the results from the present study suggest that there is considerable potential for the development of small-scale aquaculture in the Garo community. The Delphi method identified a number of factors that would contribute to the development of aquaculture in the Garo community, including favourable water resources, economic profitability, suitable climatic conditions, access to inputs and the availability of labour. Survey results imply that small-scale aquaculture could bring wider benefits to the Garo community in terms of livelihood opportunities, food security, poverty alleviation, socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability. Despite potential benefits, the present study identified various social, economic, technical, environmental and institutional constraints for small shallow water aquaculture in the Garo community. We suggest that technical and financial assistance as well as institutional and organisational support are needed for the development of aquaculture in the Garo community.

• Fish culture in ponds, ditches and rice fields by the Garo households is limited.
• There is considerable potential for small shallow water fish culture.
• Fish production could bring wider benefits in terms of livelihood opportunities.
• It would also provide food, income, social status and environmental sustainability.
• Institutional and organizational support are needed to realise its potential.