Farming Tilapia in Ponds in Central Luzon, Philippines

1. This case study was prepared as part of an Asian Development Bank (ADB) special evaluation study on small-scale, freshwater, rural aquaculture development. The study used primary and secondary data and published information to document the human, social, natural, physical, and financial capital available to households involved in the production and consumption of freshwater farmed fish and to identify ways in which the poor can benefit. The history, biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional characteristics of Central Luzon are described, followed by accounts of the technology and management of tilapia farming, with detailed profiles of fish farmers and other beneficiaries. Transforming processes are then discussed with respect to markets, institutions, support services, policy and legal instruments, natural resources management, and environmental issues.