This technology assessment reports on a ferrocement fishing boats (FFB”s) demonstration project in Malawi concerned with theproduction and dissemination of FFB”s in the northern portion of Lake Malawi and comparison of alternative propulsion methods and fishing gears. Although the results were mixed, the technologies tested may have significant replication potential elsewhere. Some useful lessons were learned about these technologies and about the design and implementation of appropriate technology projects in general. Part I discusses the origins and objectives of the project, its geographic and socioeconomic context, and the fishery resources in the project area; it examines the need for larger boats to supplement the traditional wooden, dugout canoes, and the choice of ferrocement rather than wood, steel, or fiberglass. Part II discusses the project”s achievements and problems; describes the FFB”s and their construction (with special attention to durability and safety issues); and compares three propulsion methods (sails, outboard motors, inboard motors) and three fishing methods (gillnets, longlines, and purse seines). Part III compares the production costs and prices of two sizes of FFB”s, several sizes of wooden plank boats, and dugout canoes; maintenance, repair, and replacement costs are considered and information is provided on operating costs and economic returns. To date, financial returns to fishermen have been very much affected by policy issues surrounding the pricing of fish. Part IV assesses the appropriateness of the technologies given the capacity and scale of fishing enterprises in the project area and considers the technologies” replication potential elsewhere. Recommendations address future uses of boats; credit, demonstration, and extension programs; and relocation of the boatyard. (Author abstract, modified)
