Acknowledgements and Financing: Project CONAHCYT PRONACES Soberanía Alimentaria 317100
In Mexico, tilapia is the main freshwater fish species for rural aquaculture projects. A benefit of many small-scale projects in rural territories in the country, is the supply of tilapia for consumption at local level, where usually fish was not available. Fish consumption is amply recommended for its nutritional value. In general, tilapia gives the consumer between 15 -17 grams of protein for each 100 grams of body weight, and other nutrients.
Latest world data from FAO (SOFIA, 2024) confirm the relevance of the aquatic animal in human consumption: aquaculture has already overpassed fisheries in total volum e produced ( 51% to 49% respectively) ; inland aquaculture species provide 62.6% of total aquaculture, and the per capita consumption of fish already reached 20.7 kg. , in a continuous growth for many years.
Fish is very important for Food and Nutrition Security. As part of the Blue Transformation seeked globably by FAO in the interaction of food-health and environment, achieving healthy diets is crucial and fish is a key element. The Blue Transformation is usually conceived as increased aquatic production, but other similar benefits are employment, economic growth, social development and environmental recovery. At country, region and territorial levels, there is a wide gradient of scenarios and realities that require detailed analysis in order to identify Government Public Policy.
We present preliminary results and methodology of a case study developed as part of our CONAHCYT 317100 research Project in the southern Pacific States of Oaxaca and Guerrero in Mexico, to reinforce nutritional education at household level where tilapia projects are in place. This is the preliminary step to assess feasibility of healthy diets in rural territories, focused on the role of the tilapia supplied by small-scale projects.