Author : Meechai Choochert

Summary : This study was conducted to assess on an interim basis overall implementation of the Giant Freshwater Prawn Pen Culture Project in Songkhla Lake, Thailand, in order to determine its initial impact on the well-being of farmer-participants, identify problems facing the project and, thereby, evolve some corrective measures which would strengthen and improve the implementation of the project. Evaluation was made possible through: 1) comparative analysis of proposed and actual implementatin procedures and performance; 2) analysis of factors affecting yield performance; 3) comparison of incomes from different sources; and 4) analysis of the effects of variations in critical factors on the long term viability of the project. The assessment revealed that despite efforts from executing agencies (i.e. GDRS, BAAC, and the Pak Payoon District Authority) to perform their duties well, some operational problems have occurred due to unanticipated circumstances. First, there was delay in the actual implementation of the project due to uncertainties in declaring the prawn culture areas. Second, there was inadequacy of prawn fry supply due to the production shortfall of GDRS (causing participants to purchase young prawns from natural stocks thus increasing their operational expenses), and inadequate knowledge on the part of the farmer-participants on nursery rearing. Third, there aroused conflicts between fishermen occupying fish trap areas and project participants who wanted to put up their prawn pens in the same area. Nevertheless, results of the study indicate that the project has a high income-generating potential. Many participants are generally satisfied with the initial implementation and are intersted in perpetuating the project as a main occupation. In addition, it was also observed that among the factors considered in this study, productivity (prawn yield) is significantly influenced by the level of educational attainment of participants and amount of operating expenses infused in the project. Based on the problems and prospects observed, it was recommended that: 1) the inadequate supply of prawn juveniles from GDRS be resolved by imposing on GDRS the procurement of juveniles from private hatcheries until it can meet the demand of the farmer-participants; 2) GDRS should fill in the lack of knowledge in nursery rearing by providing more training to project participants; the other option is for GDRS and BAAC to look into the feasibility of implementing another project that will raise young prawns to be supplied to the prawn pen culture project; 3) project participants should organize themselves into a cooperative which will tackle material procurements and product marketing; and 4) prawns should be protected against human predators by forming and scheduling lookout groups.

With this initial assessment, the project seems to be a sound undertaking and socioeconomically viable either as a main occupation or a supplementary income source for farmer-participants. A final evaluation, however, is suggested to be conducted at the end of the project.