The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in partnership with leading national institutions and technical government agencies of the five SAARC member countries, officially launched the AquaLivelihood Project in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The three-year regional initiative represents a total investment of USD 3.97 M. The project will directly benefit over 120,000 rural households, 30 per cent of whom are women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Titled “Livelihood Enhancement of Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Masses in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development”, the project – known as AquaLivelihood – is spearheaded by National Research and Development Centre for Aquaculture in Bhutan.
AquaLivelihood responds to two critical regional priorities: Strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale aquaculture farmers and addressing malnutrition through sustainable fish production systems.
The project will be implemented through three strategic components:
- Survey and Technology Identification – Mapping aquaculture inputs, feed, seed, and promoting inclusive practices
- Infrastructure Development – Establishing pilot-scale feed mills and fish hatcheries to enhance local production
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing – Conducting cross-border stakeholders’ training and on-farm demonstrations with a strong focus on gender equity and knowledge exchange
With its strong emphasis on scientific innovation, inclusive development and policy synergy, AquaLivelihood is set to become a flagship regional initiative driving equitable growth, resilient food systems, and long-term prosperity across the region.
The launch of this regional project will be followed by a two-day inception workshop with implementing partners from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka to establish a shared understanding of project goals, align implementation strategies, and ensure a coordinated and impactful rollout across the region.
