INLAND FISHERIES

Evaluation covers the period 6/1/78-6/30/80 and is based on reports from Social Services of the Dominican Churches (SSID), Mission data, field visits, and interviews with beneficiaries. Progress toward the project"s goal has been even faster than expected. The major objective of the first phase has been successfully achieved by determining that rural Dominicans will accept fish as part of their diet. A total of 18 fish ponds have been built and stocked; four are being constructed, and eight more are planned for three approved and surveyed sites. Approximately 200 households with 1,400 members are participating in the project. These rural farmers have received nutrition education from Peace Corps volunteers and have learned the value of fish as a protein source. They have also been taught to construct simple ponds and to feed and care for the fish as well as how to harvest fish. Canal systems which have been constructed to fill the ponds have also served to irrigate farms, increasing agricultural production. Some fish have been sold by farmers to bring in needed additional income. The project is deemed very successful since the people themselves are seeking aid in constructing new ponds; the initial intense promotion effort is no longer critical to the acceptance and extension of project activities. SSID, the implementing agency, is now entering phase two during which data collection on production costs and research into fish types will take place. Research into breeding hybrid tilapia fingerlings will hopefully lead to an increase in current production rates. SSID, the Peace Corps, and the Dominican Institute of Technology (INDOTEC) are preparing a long-range program to maintain a pure strain and continual supply of the two species of tilapia currently being used as broad stock. Finally, INDOTEC will assume an enlarged research role and will conduct an indepth socioeconomic study of the use and value of fish in the Dominican diet.