Community, institutions and technology in effective utilisation of common property resources: A case of community aquaculture

Abstract

The present study is based on the demonstration of composite fish culture in 15 villages spread in five blocks of Khordha District covering an area of 28.2 ha during the period 2010-11 to 2014-15 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra- Khordha, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar. The community ponds were selected in the adopted villages and the demonstration was expansively participatory involving community in all phases of the intervention. Capacity building and skill demonstration on the scientific management practices were provided to the groups involved in the process. In some of the community ponds, critical inputs were provided partially to motivate the group. The results of the study indicated that average fish yield of the adopted community ponds was 2441 kg ha-1 against the pre-adoption production level of 1571.8 kg ha-1. The average increase in fish production and net income were 58.22 and 88.72% respectively with increased average benefit cost ratio from 1.878 to 2.37. After withdrawal of KVK from the adopted villages, the communities continued the practices and are in contact for advisory services. The study concludes that community participation, institutional commitment and viable technology are mandatory to effectively utilise common property resources for supporting rural livelihoods.