Being a rural based economy, Sri Lanka depends heavily on the export of traditional food exports, such as tea, coconut and spices, as well as rubber and garments. In the last decades the ornamental aquatic export industry has flourished and has contributed to the diversification of exports, created additional employment opportunities and helped integrate displaced populations in rural areas. The Global Best Practice Group expert led this project focused on livelihood restoration and the economic integration of women in rural areas with high unemployment, assisting them in the establishment of small scale ornamental fish farms that provided them with a steady and autonomous source of income. Many participating women were widowed or single mothers with limited access to the labour market, who can now rely on ornamental fish farming to be able to maintain their families. It also provided an income opportunity for mothers with no childcare possibility, who found in self-employment a viable and culturally acceptable alternative. The project provided capacity building opportunities and initial set-up assistance, as well as links with ornamental fish exporters to ensure the sustainability of the fish farms and success of the female entrepreneurs.
Consultants
to the Development World ™
