Aquaculture Development Project (AqDP)

Padakhep has been implementing Aquaculture Development Project (AqDP) since 2002. The project is designed to achieve some specific objectives related to the livelihoods of the poorest section of the society, especially women. Landless, marginal and small farmers, women, fishermen and fish farmers have been given special priority as the beneficiaries of the project. The project offer financial support to the beneficiaries in the form of credit through Sonali Bank to carry out their IGAs. The project has a credit fund for a comprehensive credit program to support the aquaculture based IGAs of the beneficiaries with the support of IFAD. Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is the sponsoring agency and Department of Fisheries is the implementing agency for this initiative. Padakhep, as the lead NGO is operating the project through 8 partner NGOs in Rajbari, Faridpur, Magura, Jessore, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur and Kushtia.

• Boost fisheries/aquaculture production and the incomes of the people living in poverty.
• Establish and strengthen community organizations to ensure access of the target group to the water bodies and as the institutions through which technical and social services can be provided to AqDP-target group on a sustainable basis.
• Improve the status of women by including them in the project mainstream activity of pond aquaculture and by providing support for income generating activities.
• Improve the resource base through the rehabilitation of suitable large water bodies and fish ponds.
• Improve access, hence product marketing, to/from rural communities through the improvement of rural roads and growth centers, and create productive physical infrastructure involving local bodies.