Abstract
This case study was prepared as part of an Asian Development Bank (ADB) Special Evaluation Study (SES) on Small-Scale Freshwater Rural Aquaculture Development. In the context of the SES, this case 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 channels through which the poor are affected. The history, biophysical, socioeconomic and institutional characteristics of Lake Taal, Batangas, Philippines are described, followed by accounts of the technology and management used for tilapia cage farming and nursery operations, with detailed profiles of fish farmers and other beneficiaries. Transforming processes are then discussed with respect to markets, labour, institutions, support services, policy, legal instruments, natural resources and their management and environmental issues. Main outcomes, conclusions and implications for poverty alleviation are then summarized.