Fish production and socio-economic benefits of small-scale aquaculture in Timor-Leste after and during project implementation

A survey was conducted interviewing 80 farmers of two districts, Bobonaro and Viqueque, in Timor-Leste. Bobonaro had an ongoing project; in Viqueque it was completed. Results showed that 80% of farmers had no formal education at all in Bobonaro, and only 60% did in Viqueque. Only 12.5% of the total farmers were women; all were in Bobonaro, none in Viqueque. In Bobonaro, annual total fish production was 1,014 kg; in Viqueque it was 628 kg. About half of the fish were sold, generating US$66 +/- 14 and US$39 +/- 5 per year per household as income respectively. In Bobonaro, the average annual fish consumption per family was 12.6 +/- 0.7 kg (fresh weight); in Viqueque it was 7.3 +/- 0.5 kg. Shortages of technical skills, seed, feed, and markets were major challenges that need solutions for small-scale aquaculture to sustain and grow.