Capacity Building for Food Safety Practices in Fish Farmers in Bangladesh: A Problem-Based Learning Approach

Abstract

Purpose: This paper discusses how a problem-based learning (PBL) approach can be used effectively to resolve problems in food safety standards being adopted by fish farmers in Bangladesh. Using the example of a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Safety Programme, this paper further highlights the potential of PBL to promote the capabilities needed to train multiple stakeholders, including staff working in local, district, and national organisations, and for local fish farmers to apply the FAO Food Safety Code of Practice in their farms.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative intrinsic case study approach with qualitative content analysis of written reports was adopted to assess and provide an in-depth description of the PBL programme, the potential capabilities developed and the impact(s) of the project.

Findings/Results: The PBL approach adopted for training multiple stakeholders was based on the teaching learning theory of social constructivism using a cascade model of training. Drawing on these principles, the training has promoted capacity building in the different levels of the cascade model, empowered fish farmers to change their behaviours, and adopt the FAO Food Safety Code of Practice, and enhanced their business quality and performance as well as food safety control. Moreover, the success of the training programme enabled it to be extended to a further 100,000 fish farms, and the same approach has been adopted in other types of farms, such as poultry and crop farms.

Originality/Value: This paper provides a clear understanding how a PBL approach is capable of outscalling capacity building and amplifying sustainable impact by developing collaborative partnerships with different actors in the fishery sector to bring positive changes in communities that they support.

Paper Type: Case study.