TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgement Introduction General ...

Riverine
Rivers
Floodplains
Irrigation channels
Lacustrine
Lakes
Reservoirs
Ponds
Palustrine
Swamps
Rice fields
Estuaries
Lagoons
Coral reefs
Mangroves
Mudflats
Ponds
Livelihoods based on aquatic resources are characterized by diversity of resources,
environments, resource users and the ways people exploit resources and
incorporate them into their livelihoods.
It is difficult to assess aquatic resource use by poor people. The complexity of
seasonally and spatially variable environments and stakeholder activities often
results in incorrect resource use estimates. Good case-study evidence may provide
more valuable information. The social context is especially important, particularly
access arrangements and the assessment of benefits to livelihoods.
Technical issues and lack of new knowledge are not major constraints to
aquaculture development. There is a wealth of knowledge, including local
knowledge, that only needs effective widespread dissemination to
enhance human capital. People, not ponds or technology, are the entry
point for aquaculture development. There has been a positive shift from
technology-led production-oriented project interventions to a people-first
sustainable livelihood approach. Poverty and environment degradation
can be eliminated through holistic development interventions that
facilitate diversified sustainable livelihoods.
Available statistics on aquatic resource use do not reflect reality well: they
commonly under or over estimate the resource. Little information is given on
seasonality and markets.
Well collected and presented information on the value of aquatic resources to poor
people empowers users and their advocates. Such information is less easily ignored
by competing sectors.
Evidence of the role of aquatic resources in poor peoples’
livelihoods