Short answer

When designing or managing water bodies for rural development, actively plan for and support ancillary uses like fisheries to maximize community resilience and foster innovation.

Field: Resource Management
Source: bonndoc (University of Bonn) (2010)
Method: Empirical case study analysis
Evidence: Moderate effect

Developing fisheries in small reservoirs can bolster the resilience of rural communities by providing alternative income streams and fostering innovation, especially in the face of climate change and socio-economic challenges. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2010 study published in bonndoc (University of Bonn). Using Empirical case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing or managing water bodies for rural development, actively plan for and support ancillary uses like fisheries to maximize community resilience and foster innovation.

Study

Resource ManagementHigh ImpactModerate effect

Small reservoir fisheries enhance rural resilience through diversified income and innovation potential

bonndoc (University of Bonn) · 2010

Key Findings

01Income from reservoir fisheries contributes to opportunities for innovation and development for those involved.
02Small reservoirs possess ecological potential to provide aquatic resources.
03Social networks play a crucial role in realizing the ecological potential of reservoirs for improved human well-being.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing or managing water bodies for rural development, actively plan for and support ancillary uses like fisheries to maximize community resilience and foster innovation.

How to apply

When assessing the potential of water infrastructure projects, conduct a thorough analysis of ancillary resource management opportunities, such as aquaculture or small-scale fishing, and their social and ecological implications.

Project actions

01When researching a community's resources, look beyond the primary intended use.
02Consider how social connections and community structures influence the success of resource management initiatives.

Method & Evidence

AimTo understand how fisheries in small reservoirs can contribute to the resilience of rural populations in northern Ghana by enhancing opportunities for innovation and development.

MethodEmpirical case study analysis

ProcedureThe study involved three analytical steps: 1) assessing the impact of reservoir fishing income on innovation and development opportunities, 2) evaluating the ecological potential of reservoirs for aquatic resource provision, and 3) examining social network structures for their capacity to support innovation and development in realizing reservoir potential.

ContextRural communities in the Upper East Region of Ghana, focusing on small multi-purpose reservoirs.

Variables

IV["Development of fisheries in small reservoirs","Income from fisheries"]

DV["Opportunities for innovation and development","Community resilience"]

CV["Social network structures","Ecological potential of reservoirs","Socio-economic challenges (e.g., climate events, political neglect)"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Empirical grounding in a specific context.
+Integrated approach considering ecological, economic, and social dimensions.

Limitations

The specific ecological and social conditions of northern Ghana might not be replicated elsewhere, limiting direct generalizability. The study's focus on 'income' might not capture all forms of value derived from fisheries.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the findings relies on the accurate assessment of ecological potential and the nuanced interpretation of social network data. Reliability could be enhanced by triangulating findings with quantitative data on income and innovation activities.

Think critically

To what extent can the 'incidental benefit' of fisheries be proactively designed into reservoir systems to maximize resilience, rather than being an afterthought?

Design Principles

"Diversify resource utilization to enhance system resilience and create opportunities for socio-economic development."

This research highlights the often-overlooked potential of small-scale aquatic resource management to significantly impact community well-being. By diversifying livelihoods beyond traditional agriculture, these systems can buffer against environmental shocks and create pathways for development.

What This Means for Your Design

Building fishing activities around small water reservoirs can help people in rural areas earn more money and try new things, making them better prepared for tough times like droughts or economic problems.

How to use in your project

1.Use this study to justify exploring secondary or tertiary uses of a designed system or resource.
2.Reference this to support the idea that social networks are critical for the successful implementation of design solutions in community contexts.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research demonstrates that the development of ancillary resource uses, such as fisheries in small reservoirs, can significantly enhance community resilience by diversifying income streams and fostering innovation. The study highlights the interplay between ecological potential and social networks in realizing these benefits, suggesting that integrated resource management approaches are crucial for maximizing socio-economic well-being in vulnerable communities.

Source

bonndoc (University of Bonn)

Managing social-ecological systems for resilience: Fisheries in the small reservoirs of northern Ghana

journal · 2010

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about small reservoir fisheries enhance rural resilience through diversified income and innovation potential?: When designing or managing water bodies for rural development, actively plan for and support ancillary uses like fisheries to maximize community resilience and foster innovation. Evidence: bonndoc (University of Bonn) (2010).
Why does "Small reservoir fisheries enhance rural resilience through diversified income and innovation potential" matter for design?: This research highlights the often-overlooked potential of small-scale aquatic resource management to significantly impact community well-being. By diversifying livelihoods beyond traditional agriculture, these systems can buffer against environmental shocks and create pathways for development.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing or managing water bodies for rural development, actively plan for and support ancillary uses like fisheries to maximize community resilience and foster innovation.
What were the main findings?: Income from reservoir fisheries contributes to opportunities for innovation and development for those involved.. Small reservoirs possess ecological potential to provide aquatic resources.. Social networks play a crucial role in realizing the ecological potential of reservoirs for improved human well-being.
What research method was used?: Empirical case study analysis.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2010 journal from bonndoc (University of Bonn).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When assessing the potential of water infrastructure projects, conduct a thorough analysis of ancillary resource management opportunities, such as aquaculture or small-scale fishing, and their social and ecological implications.
What are the limitations?: The study focuses on a specific region in Ghana, and findings may not be directly transferable to all contexts. The 'incidental benefit' assumption for fisheries might overlook established practices in some areas.