Nepal Development Research Institute

Baseline Evaluation for 'Modernizing Aquaculture in Nepal (MATSYA) Project'

The main goal of the MATSYA project, initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture and implemented by Lutheran World Relief, is to improve aquaculture productivity and food security by integrating activities such as training, capacity building, effective use of inputs, better financial access, and improved market connectivity. As part of the baseline evaluation, NDRI will establish the project's starting conditions, explore key research questions, and measure the program’s impact using multiple indicators. Key participants in the study include aquaculture farmers (selected based on gender, age, groups, and location), hatchery and nursery operators, transporters, buyers, cooperatives, government technical staff, and other stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain. The evaluation will also assess training availability in target districts and the capacity of government and non-government sectors to support aquaculture.