There is a growing appreciation of the role of aquaculture in improving food and nutrition security and diversifying livelihoods in smallholder farming systems. Using Timor-Leste, a small half-island state in Southeast Asia, as a case example—where the National Aquaculture Development Strategy (NADS) 2012–2030 aims to increase aquaculture production from just 45 t in 2010 to 12,000 t by 2030 and raise per capita fish consumption from 6.1 to 15.0 kg—this paper presents a holistic approach followed in developing a contextualized Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) aquaculture model. It highlights the key interventions undertaken, the outcomes achieved, and the model’s potential for scaling.
Since 2014, WorldFish has been partnering with the Timor-Leste government and private sectors to support NADS implementation. Phase 1 (2015–2019) introduced GIFT, established seed supply through public and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) hatcheries, promoted locally formulated feed and pond fertilization, and implemented Better Management Practices (BMPs). Farmers adopting BMPs increased productivity from 1.0 to 4.3 t/ha per 11-month cycle, though scaling was limited by feed ingredient shortages.
Phase 2 (2020–25) adopted a holistic approach to improve fish availability, accessibility, and consumption by enhancing access to seed, feed, technology, markets, and nutrition messaging. Key interventions focused on sustainable intensification, harvesting, and marketing strategies . GIFT productivity rose from 4.3t/ha to 12.4 t/ha in 2022 and 17.3 t/ha in 2024, with culture period reduced to six months, enabling two cycles annually, comparable to leading Southeast Asian producers.
Currently, over 850 GIFT farmers across seven municipalities manage 1,800+ ponds linked to input and market systems via five state-of-the-art hatcheries, 17 local service providers (LSPs), and four market operators. Total aquaculture production was 45 t in 2010; GIFT alone reached over 800 t by 2025, generating USD 2.5 million annually. GIFT farming households earned
USD 1,600 gross and about USD 700 net per cycle after USD 925 in costs (75% margin). LSPs earned USD 1,100–3,500 monthly.
The model has successfully transformed livelihoods, created widespread value chain jobs, and demonstrated strong scaling potential in Timor-Leste, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and beyond.