Probiotics, custom formulated bacterial starter cultures added to different aquaculture systems, have been promoted since the mid 1980s. However, data on effectiveness of the approach are often equivocal and part of marketing campaigns. Bolivian small-scale farming of the red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) has increased substantially in the last decade, to a large extent in rain-fed ponds, with associated challenges of accumulated mud and potential deterioration of water quality. Several Probiotic formulations have recently become available commercially in the country, but farmers have no way to distinguish marketing rhetoric from actual functionality.
The principal objective of this research is to improve the productivity of many ponds which have poor performance because of the bad quality of water and the accumulation of organic mood (food remains and fish feces) in some cases for more than five years.
Participatory research methods and peer-peer communication help answer questions of local importance, while at the same time reinforcing critical evaluation skills and confidence in adopting innovations. The Peces para la Vida Project (PPV) is implementing a modular practical training course in pond aquaculture of fish farming association representatives in Bolivia (87% women), with Canadian funding and Brazilian and Bolivian partners. Key cross-cutting social elements include gender equality, women’s empowerment, presentation and thinking skills.
As a follow-up of the course in 2024, a participatory research project, led by members of this group, was carried out to assess the veracity of probiotic benefits. One hundred (100) ponds of 1,000 and 2,000 m2 , of 24 farmers were treated with three doses (90gr - 210gr - 360gr) of the chosen product. Water quality was improved showing reduction of ammonia and algae control, mud depth reduced (between four and seven centimeters in less than one month), and fish appetite improved, relative to controls. The research approach led to significantly better understanding by the farmers, interest in its application, and an agreement for community-led production of the pro-biotics.