In line with efforts to foster food security and sustainable livelihoods, the project “Enabling Food Sufficient Community through Community-Based Participatory Action Research Program” held a two-day comprehensive training on pond culture for small-scale farmers. The training sessions were conducted on August 27, 2024, in Barangay Manuel Peralta, Malita, and August 28, 2024, in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental. The event was attended by project beneficiaries from the local farming communities.
The training was aimed at providing farmers with essential knowledge and skills in tilapia farming, focusing on effective strategies for pond culture management. Mr. Kher Dave Doños, the project leader, led the sessions alongside the project staff, covering crucial topics such as the biology of tilapia, site selection, pond construction, stocking techniques, feeding strategies, and overall pond management. These components are fundamental to successful tilapia farming, especially for small-scale operations.
The training aligns with the broader vision of promoting sustainable fishery practices through comprehensive education. By equipping farmers with advanced techniques and insights, the initiative seeks to create a self-sufficient and sustainable community that can actively participate in improving local food production. The participatory nature of the program empowers beneficiaries to apply their learning, contributing to long-term food security and economic stability in their areas.
Through this hands-on approach, participants gained a deeper understanding of the entire process of tilapia farming, from setting up ponds to harvesting. The training is expected to lead to more effective tilapia grow-out methods, which could significantly impact the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and contribute to the sustainability of fishery-based communities. (Christian Gil Carta)
