Aquaculture farmer organizations and cluster management: concepts and experiences

KEY LESSONS
Common problems successfully addressed
The farmer societies comprise farmers with different needs, interests, skills, and 
financial and technical capacity. However, these farmers are united by a small number 
of common interests and objectives. Their common problem of high prevalence of 
disease in their ponds has been successfully addressed through collective action and 
implementation of BMPs (which has developed into a “self-propagating” model where 
farmers believe the success of other farmers). The “win-win” situation created by 
adoption of better management has provided a strong incentive for positive change. 
It is the existence of this common problem that is being successfully addressed by the 
cluster management model that has kept the farmer societies strong by providing them 
with a strong incentive to work together and has enabled them to grow.
Participatory approach
From the beginning of the MPEDA-NACA project through to the establishment 
and activities of NaCSA, a participatory approach has been taken. This is shown, for 
example, by the importance placed on farmer-to-farmer information exchange through 
demonstrations and farmer field days, which has led to farmers learning from other 
farmers in a bottom-up way. This participatory approach has also enabled farmers to 
articulate their needs, to which the project has been able to respond in a meaningful 
way. Farmers have thus been empowered to take control of their own development.
Strong leadership
The most successful farmer societies have strong leaders who have vision and 
commitment, which is very important for society management and success. 
Slow progress
This project has been active for nearly ten years but has only recently begun to show 
success on a large scale. Societies have only begun to achieve market access through 
organic certification and building links with processors and overseas retailers such 

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Aquaculture farmer organizations and cluster management – Concepts and experiences