Nutritional composition of aquatic species in Laotian rice field ecosystems

Aquatic faunal abundance and diversity in relation to synthetic and natural pesticide applications in rice fields of Central Thailand

“…In addition, some species (e.g. fishes, frogs, crustaceans, and large insects) comprise a significant addition to farmers' livelihoods, especially in poorer rice-growing regions (Little et al 1996;Halwart 2006;Shams 2007;Nurhasan et al 2010). Some species, however, are potential pests which can heavily damage the rice crops.…”

Inland capture fisheries in the Mekong and their place and potential within food-led regional development

“…Fish and other aquatic organisms are examples of the wild foods that play critical roles in regional household nutrition strategies (MRC, 2010;Nurhasan et al, 2010;Hortle, 2007). This role extends beyond that of a 'safety net' and may even underpin the viability of some rural households, with fisheries representing part of a dynamic, highly interconnected household and community food production and consumption system in which each component contributes to make the overall strategy viable.…”

“…This reflected within Lao PDR and the region where the emphasis in policy (e.g., the Food Security Strategy, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) has been on equating food security with improving rice production (e.g., Nurhasan et al, 2010;WFP, 2008). The harshest indicator of development failure is of mortality due to food crisis, from either famine or, more insidiously, health failures and resultant mortality due to malnutrition.…”

Part of gathering, fishing and hunting in the diet in Laos

“…Dans une étude réalisée dans la province de Saravane, Clendon (2001) estime que les produits forestiers apportent 40 % du calcium, 25 % du fer et 40 % des vitamines A et C dans le régime. Nurhasan (2008), dans son étude sur la composition nutritionnelle des espèces animales aquatiques récoltées dans les rizières, montre qu'elles fournissent une grande partie des apports en protéines, calcium, fer et zinc.…”

“…Pour les populations locales, poissons, batraciens, crustacés, mollusques et insectes aquatiques appartiennent à une même catégorie, celle des "animaux aquatiques" (Nurhasan 2008). Ils jouent un rôle très important dans le régime alimentaire des populations vivant dans les vallées, pour qui ils représentent le principal apport de protéines.…”