Strengthening Fish-Farming Communities with a Regenerative Approach in Misiones, Argentina.

Context & Challenges

Misiones, a province known for its extraordinary biodiversity and natural wealth, faces significant economic and social challenges. In this context, aquaculture emerges as a key activity with transformative potential for rural communities.

Today, the province is home to approximately 4,000 fish farmers, 95% of whom operate on a small or medium scale. However, only 5% are able to commercialize more than 30% of their production—highlighting a gap that limits the economic growth of farming families. These figures reveal the urgent need to strengthen a sector that can generate income, promote healthy diets, and foster sustainable practices that regenerate local ecosystems.

Our Proposal: A Collaborative and Regenerative Approach

In partnership with the Visa Foundation, Mayma launched the two-year program “Strengthening Fish-Farming Communities with a Regenerative Approach in Misiones, Argentina” in November 2023.. The program was designed to boost local aquaculture and improve the livelihoods of farming families.

Originally intended to benefit 180 fish-farming families, the program exceeded expectations reaching 213 family-run farms.Our strategy began by training 16 local technicians, who then delivered hands-on knowledge directly to the communities.

We also provided comprehensive support in finance and sustainable aquaculture practices, offering key tools to reinforce the sector’s long-term viability. We developed manuals and practical guides, and applied tools like KoboToolbox to collect data from production units 450 unidades productivas, generating valuable insights to support the region’s aquaculture development.

This effort was made possible by a strong network of strategic alliances, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Production of Misiones, Fundación Asuntos Agrarios, and CENADAC (National Center for Aquaculture Development). Their contributions were key to providing specialized technical assistance and strengthening the sector’s capacity.

Together, we are driving meaningful change in Misiones’ aquaculture landscape—laying the foundation for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for local fish-farming communities.

Project Team

Ana Webb is a biologist and holds a Master’s degree in Aquaculture from the Universidad Católica del Norte (Chile), with over 17 years of experience in sustainable aquaculture in Chile and Argentina. Raised in Patagonia, her connection to the sector began in childhood. She is a sustainability consultant, B Corp ambassador, and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ana supports entrepreneurs and communities in their pursuit of triple impact, with a focus on environmental education and water stewardship.

Herman is an agricultural engineer, raised on the farms of Misiones, where he discovered his passion for agriculture and fish farming. With 13 years at INTA, he supported small and medium-sized producers and coordinated the institution's first national aquaculture project. He led the NEA aquaculture cluster and specialized in aquaculture production in Brazil, China, and Egypt. Today, he works as an independent consultant, advising companies on sustainable production.

Verónica holds a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the National University of Cuyo, along with a diploma in Public Management and Policy. She has over six years of experience in the public sector, having worked at the City Council of General San Martín and in the City of Buenos Aires. She has participated in citizen service projects and collaborated as a research assistant with ELA, San Martín University, and UNICEF.

Rosana holds a degree in Social Work, is a specialist in Childhood and Adolescence, and has a Master's in Social Policy. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences and a Master’s in Mental Health. She has extensive experience working in community settings with Indigenous peoples, women, children, and adolescents. Rosana is a consultant in gender, emotional education, and comprehensive sex education (CSE), and is the founder of Impulsar, a cooperative focused on innovation and technological education.

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