Indonesia has lost more mangroves than any other country. The importance of mangroves for carbon storage and biodiversity is well recognised, but much less is known about what they contribute to the communities living near them who are called on to protect them. Malnutrition in Indonesia is high, with more than a third of children stunted, partly due to poor diets. Fish are nutrient-rich and are the most widely consumed animal source food in Indonesia, making the relationship between mangroves and fish consumption of great importance. Aquaculture is also tremendously important for fish production in Indonesia and has replaced large areas of mangroves over the last two decades. We performed a cross-sectional, spatial analysis in this study. We combined data on fish consumption for rural Indonesian coastal households from the Indonesian National Socioeconomic Survey with spatial data on mangrove forest and aquaculture area from the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry to create a cross-sectional spatial dataset. Using a mixed-effects regression model, we estimated to what extent living in proximity to different densities of mangroves and aquaculture was associated with fresh fish consumption for rural coastal households. Our sample included 6741 villages with 107 486 households in 2008. The results showed that rural coastal households residing near high-density mangroves consumed 28% (134/477) more fresh fish and other aquatic animals, and those residing near medium-density mangroves consumed 19% (90/477) more fresh fish and other aquatic animals, than coastal households who did not live near mangroves. Coastal households that lived near high-density aquaculture consumed 2% (9/536) more fresh fish, and those that lived near medium-density aquaculture consumed 1% (3/536) less, than other rural coastal households.
Tag: fisheries
Technical Report on Site Based Research in Ghana and The Gambia: Land-seascape Food and Nutrition Profiles
Diversified food system strategies can improve food composition and income sources for women oyster harvesting communities dependent on seasonal fishery activities. This study focused on women shellfishers in Densu Estuary, Narkwa Lagoon, and Whin Estuary in Ghana and in Tanbi, Bulock, and Allahein estuaries in The Gambia, and to understand the status and opportunities for increasing the use of biodiversity to meet seasonal food and dietary needs. Research activities included site scoping assessments, 21 focus group discussions in Ghana (5) and The Gambia (16) and 356 random household interviews in Ghana (211) and The Gambia (145). In addition, data validation and feedback discussion meetings were conducted with communities across the six study sites. Overall, assembled data covered household livelihood characteristics, food production, food types, seasonality and expenditure attributes, tree planting, nurseries, species diversity and management, local food portfolios, and oyster and fisheries resource use challenges.
Land-use and land-cover affect inland fish catch in two rivers of Central Africa
Land-cover change can affect inland fisheries, which underpin food security of millions of people worldwide. Removal of forests from very large floodplains has been found to decrease fish catch via loss of feeding and nursery habitat for fish. However, it is unknown if similar effects occur in smaller rivers with limited floodplain areas. Little is also known about the mechanisms by which land-cover changes affect inland fish catch. Here, we assessed land-use and land-cover (LULC) effects on fish catch, diet, and condition at sites in two medium-sized rivers of Cameroon, in Central Africa. We found that LULC explained 30% of the variation in fish catch, with the catch of five species being positively, and of two species being negatively, related to floodplain forests. The niche breadth of fish diets was higher in the river surrounded by forests than in the river surrounded by agricultural land. However, contrary to expectations, condition of the fish, as indicated by occurrence of diseases or deformities, eroded fins, lesions or tumors, was not related to LULC. Our results support the notions that floodplain forests support fish populations in rivers with limited floodplain areas in ways similar to that of rivers with large floodplains, and that LULC affects fish populations via changes in fish diets and instream habitat features (i.e., riparian canopy closure, water clarity, substrate heterogeneity, and habitat volume). These effects imply that prevailing changes in LULC threaten the food and livelihood security services provided by inland fisheries, highlighting the importance of policies that maintain native vegetation along riverbanks and in floodplain areas.
Impact of Mekong River biodiversity on the food culture of women and children in Prey Veng, Cambodia
Situated in the heart of the Mekong River basin, the biodiversity of Cambodian freshwaters is high, with around 475 fish species. Fisheries have shaped Cambodian culture, including traditional diets. Fish and other aquatic animals are the main and culturally preferred animal-source foods in a population vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition. The food culture of consuming fish with the bones and head is nutritionally valuable, providing high-quality nutrients. The objective of this study was to assess the consumption of fish and other aquatic animals among mothers and their young children, with details on species, types of processing, and parts consumed. We interviewed 100 mothers in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia, on fish and other aquatic animals consumed by themselves and their children (one child per mother) during the preceding rainy season. To support recall of fish consumption, we used 157 cards with pictures of fish and other aquatic animal species and 11 cards with processed fish. Our results showed that species diversity in mothers’ diets was higher than that of their children; on average, mothers and children consumed 69 and 14 species of fish, eight and one species of other aquatic animals, respectively, in the preceding rainy season. On average, mothers reported they knew of 113 fish species and 14 other species available in their surrounding environments. Consuming fish with the head and bones is common among mothers but not children. Our study showed that the rich biodiversity of aquatic animals in the Mekong River is reflected in the food culture of mothers, but not in children. Consequently, children in their most critical period, do not harness the nutritional benefits from the rich aquatic biodiversity. We suggest policymakers recommend feeding young children with a larger diversity of aquatic animals and promoting fish processing to allow young children to benefit from the rich aquatic diversity and their nutrient-rich parts.
Perceptions and attitudes towards climate change in fishing communities of the Sudd Wetlands, South Sudan
The Sudd in South Sudan, formed by the White Nile’s Baḥr al-Jabal section, is one of the largest and most important wetlands in the world. Communities in the region almost exclusively depend on fisheries for food and livelihoods. Although threatened by over-exploitation and habitat changes, fish populations are also affected by climate change. Using semi-structured questionnaires, we assessed fisherfolk’s opinions of how recent variation in climate affected their livelihoods and the environment. Fisherfolk perceived that climate had changed in the past decade and were negatively impacted by this. Interviewees reported average higher temperatures, a greater frequency of floods and droughts, unpredictable timing of seasons, and erratic rainfall. Destruction of fishing villages/camps, loss and damage of fishing equipment, shifts in the fishing calendar, reduction of fish trade, and fish catch declines as well as psycho-social problems were given as the major consequences of climate change. Causes of climate change and variability were perceived to be linked to uncontrolled harvest of forest resources, anger of God and ancestors, and natural variability in climate. Most respondents expressed a desire to adopt more responsible behavior such as planting trees and establishing community nurseries, being educated on climate change risks, and sustainable fisheries management. Our results show that fisherfolk in the Sudd are troubled by climate change impacts on their livelihoods and on fish populations. In South Sudan, climate change has been reported from hydroclimatological data but concrete impacts on people remain largely unknown and of little concern because of recent wars and the poor economy. Our study provides an example of how fisherfolks’ local ecological knowledge (LEK) can be used as an early warning system of the negative impacts on livelihoods and fish populations and support adaptation to the changing climate.
Coping or adapting? Experiences of food and nutrition insecurity in specialised fishing households in Komodo District, eastern Indonesia
There is growing recognition of the need for fish to be better integrated into nutrition-sensitive strategies for addressing malnutrition. Fish are overwhelmingly produced by the small-scale sector, which supports food and nutrition security directly through the provision of fish and indirectly through the generation of income which can be used to purchase other desired foods. However, there has been relatively little research on the extent of food and nutrition security in specialised fishing communities. This study assessed food and nutrition security among households in specialised fishing communities in Komodo District, eastern Indonesia. We assessed the seasonal nutrition quality of household diets using the Food Consumption Score for nutritional analysis and food insecurity using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in 66 households across three communities, using a modified cluster sampling strategy. We calculated and generated descriptive statistics for these indicators with Microsoft Excel and ran a logistic generalized linear mixed model to determine factors associated with severe food insecurity using SPSS. We used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to understand perceptions of, change over time, and strategies for dealing with food shortfalls. While most households have acceptable access to nutritious foods, especially protein and heme iron-rich foods, nearly one half of households consumed vitamin A rich foods on less than 3 days of the 7-day recall period in either season. More than half of households reported experiencing a moderate or severe level of food insecurity, with higher food insecurity in the wet season. Low maternal education (OR: 3.8, 95%CI 1.5–9.9) and lower household wealth (OR: 0.5, 95%CI 0.3–0.9) were found to be associated with a severe level of food insecurity. Household’s consumptive and non-consumptive response strategies reflect adaptation to chronic food insecurity but are nutritionally and economically unsustainable. Households in specialised fishing communities in Komodo District consumed diets with low diversity and experienced high levels of food insecurity. There is a need for culturally-appropriate nutrition-sensitive strategies to enhance food and nutrition security in vulnerable fishing communities.
Ecotourism: Another Benefit of Agro-Silvo-Fishery and Trigona Apiculture in Peatland Ecosystem of Baru Village, Banyuasin, South Sumatra
Agro-silvo-fishery and Trigona apiculture are two business models developed in the peatland ecosystem in Baru Village, Banyuasin District, South Sumatra. Since the beginning of 2022, two demo plots have been built in the same village landscape as part of the business model implementation. The system’s agro-silvo-fishery was established by constructing a pond around a paddy field and planting betelnut, vegetables, and fruit trees. Local fish that had acclimated to the acidic peatland habitat were captured during the flooding and raised in the ponds. In the constrained biophysical and chemical conditions of swampy terrain, this method is thought to be the greatest way to provide a variety of revenue. Individual farmers cannot afford the costs associated with setting up this system, especially when it comes to constructing the pond and dykes. Individual farmers cannot afford the costs associated with establishing this system, especially when it comes to constructing the pond and dykes. Hence, support from the district and village government and program partners is valuable. The farmer group harvested corn and vegetables from the dykes and rice from the paddy fields in the first year, and fish were not ready for harvest. However, the local BUMDes saved the day by creating weekly regular fishing activities and competition events, generating revenue from tickets. Moreover, the Trigona apiculture became a popular place for those outside the village to learn free of charge. Based on profitability analysis, the NPV of establishing agro-silvo-fishery is Rp103.036.769 per 0.8 ha for 30 years, with additional income from ecotourism is estimated to reach Rp21.600.000 per year. The established demonstration plot has the potential to become an ecotourism destination, and the key is to maintain the surrounding flowers and plants as the source of food for bees and the water condition for the fish.
The Influence of Forests on Freshwater Fish in the Tropics: A Systematic Review
Tropical forests influence freshwater fish through multiple pathways, only some of which are well documented. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the current state of knowledge on forests and freshwater fish in the tropics. The existing evidence is mostly concentrated in the neotropics. The majority of studies provided evidence that fish diversity was higher where there was more forest cover; this was related to the greater heterogeneity of resources in forested environments that could support a wider range of species. Studies quantifying fish abundance (or biomass) showed mixed relationships with forest cover, depending on species-specific habitat preferences. We identify the key challenges limiting our current understanding of the forest–fish nexus and provide recommendations for future research to address these knowledge gaps. A clear understanding of the functional pathways in forest–freshwater ecosystems can improve evidence-based policy development concerned with deforestation, biodiversity conservation, and food insecurity in the tropics.
Dietary diversity and fish consumption of mothers and their children in fisher households in Komodo District, eastern Indonesia
Small-scale coastal fisheries contribute directly and indirectly to the food and nutrition security of marine-dependent households. Fishers can apportion part of their catch for household consumption or use the income earned to purchase staples and other desired foods. Fish are an important animal-source food rich in micronutrients essential for cognitive development of children and for adult health, and a valuable addition to rice-based diets. Furthermore, the engagement of women in fisheries value chains and increased control over income may facilitate decision-making which improves nutrition outcomes for women and their children. Despite these contributions, food insecurity remains prevalent in many low and middle income fish-producing countries. This paper reports findings from an exploration of the interplaying factors leading to food and nutrition insecurity in three marine-dependent coastal communities in eastern Indonesia, focusing on the consumption pathway, that is, the contribution of fish to the diets and nutrition of women and children. The research was undertaken as a mixed-methods case study. The study found that over 50% of mother-child pairs failed to meet the minimum recommended dietary diversity, and, while fish was the main animal-source food in diets, the introduction of fish to infant and young child diets was delayed due to fears of allergies and illnesses. Moreover, access to nutrient-dense foods was affected by variable and insufficient income from fisheries-based livelihoods, isolation from markets, and the broader food environment. Given the shift towards ‘nutrition-sensitive interventions’ to improve the livelihoods and well-being of fisher households, these results highlight the need for analysis of the intra-household sharing of fish within fisher households, culturally-appropriate strategies to improve the quality of family and especially complementary foods, and efforts to increase physical access to nutrient-dense foods.
Local Perspectives on Agrosilvofishery in Peatlands: A Case Study of Perigi Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia
As the need for sustainable use peatlands increases, the aim of this study is to identify ways to increase the application of agrosilvofishery as an alternative to the traditional sonor system. Herein, the researchers investigate the perception of peatland degradation and the willingness to participate in agrosilvofishery among peatland residents. The researchers interviewed 228 households in Perigi Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia, and surveyed 137 peatland owners. Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between the willingness to participate in agrosilvofishery and household expenses, plans to improve peatland productivity, and knowledge regarding mixed farming in farmer and non-farmer groups. Willingness to provide labor for agrosilvofishery was positively correlated with household expenses and experience with farmer organizations. For both groups, the willingness to participate had a more substantial impact on the willingness to contribute to the agrosilvofishery financially than on the willingness to provide labor. It is imperative to consider various educational, institutional, research, and cultural factors that enable peatland agrosilvofisheries to contribute to the income and livelihood of the residents of Perigi Village. Institutional arrangements should be established, including initial capital support for restoration projects and a system involving the entire village community. This study can contribute to offering guidance for implementing agrosilvofisheries and enhance the practicality of field applications for peatland restoration.