IMPROVED MANAGEMENT, INCREASED CULTURE AND CONSUMPTION OF SMALL FISH SPECIES CAN IMPROVE DIETS OF THE RURAL POOR

In many low-income countries with water re-sources, small fish species are important for the livelihoods, nutrition and income of the rural poor. The small size of fish favours frequent consump-tion by and nutrition of the rural poor, as these fish are captured, sold and bought in small quantities; used both raw and processed in traditional dishes; and are nutrient-rich. All small fish species are a rich source of animal protein, and – as they are eaten whole – have a very high content of bioavail-able calcium. Some are rich in vitamin A, iron, zinc and essential fats. Measures to improve manage-ment and increase culture and consumption of small fish include community-based management of common water bodies; culture of small fish in ponds and rice fields; use of small marine fish for direct human consumption, especially in vulnerable population groups; and improved handling, trans-portation, processing – especially drying – and mar-ket chains to reduce loss and increase accessibility, especially in hard to reach population groups. Recent integrated initiatives such as Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Framework and Roadmap: 1,000 Days Global Effort, focusing on the linkages between agriculture and nutrition give good opportunities for promoting improved management, and increased culture and consumption of small fish species. 1