Baseline and endline report for JSPVAT aquaculture and fisheries program, India

• Jul 30, 2025
• 1 min

The eastern Indian state of Bihar offers significant potential to use aquaculture and fisheries as a means to improve nutritional outcomes, enhance food security, and create diversified and sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for women-led community groups. MSC recognized this potential and conducted an in-depth baseline study to inform strategic interventions and guide investment in the state’s fisheries sector. 

MSC employed a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative and qualitative research tools for actionable insights. The study covered 12 districts in Bihar and included a quantitative cross-sectional survey of more than 1,200 fish-farming households, focus group discussions (FGDs) with both men and women, and key informant interviews (KIIs) with sector experts and community leaders. 

The study seeks to understand in detail the current state of aquaculture, women’s empowerment in the sector, and the health and nutrition profiles of households engaged in aquaculture and fisheries livelihoods. MSC used baseline findings to align and contextualize the interventions under this investment. These tools are now being used in the endline assessment to track changes and progress in the parameters. A final assessment is underway to evaluate the program’s progress and achievements against its objectives.

The Gates Foundation commissioned the project.