The Greater Noakhali Aquaculture Extension Component (GNAEC) is one of two field-based Components of the Fisheries Sector sub-programme of Danida's Agricultural Sector Programme Support in Bangladesh . With its sister Component, the Patuakhali-Barguna Aquaculture Extension Component (PBAEC), it represented an expansion of Danida's successful intervention in promotion of small-scale aquaculture in the Mymensingh Aquaculture Extension Project (MAEP), which began in 1989 and was finally closed in December 2003. The overall project design of GNAEP1 owes much to the model developed in the second phase of the MAEP.
Original Project Design
GNAEP began in July 1998 as a conventional aquaculture extension programme, seeking to promote the improved pond polyculture systems developed in Mymensingh in the Greater Noakhali region, consisting of the three districts of Feni, Noakhali and Lakshmipur. The Project objectives were (and officially still are):
Development Objectives:
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A strengthened socio-economic position and physical well-being of the target group of poor men and women belonging to landless and marginal households, thus enabling them to improve their participation in social and economic development. |
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Enhanced opportunities for productive employment of target group members and increased aquaculture production in the Project area. |
Immediate Objectives:
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Increased production through application of improved aquaculture techniques.
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Improved capacity for aquaculture promotion and extension at the Upazila level. |
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Improved possibilities for pond operators to obtain production loans from authorized credit institutions in the area. |
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