Black tiger shrimp value chain analysis in Bac Lieu province, Vietnam

Abstract

This research applied value chain analysis to represent activities of participants and their linkages in Black tiger shrimp culture industry in Hoa Binh district, Bac Lieu province, Vietnam. Actors involved in shrimp farming practice from farmers, collectors, wholesalers, feed and veterinary medicine enterprises, processors, to hatcheries, and nurseries were interviewed by separate questionnaires. A total sample size of 71 surveyed households were conducted and analyzed for this research. Results presented a map of actors, costs and margins, employment distribution, advantages and disadvantages of each level.

Farmers, collectors, wholesalers and processing companies are four main actors which contributed directly to shrimp production and effected to the commercial value, and shrimp price. Hatcheries, nurseries, feed and veterinary medicines enterprises impacted indirectly to the economic efficiency and the value chain development orientation. Especially, small-scale farmers are the weakest and the most vulnerable actor in the value chain. The processing companies increase added value about 18%-26% and get the opportunities and benefits from trade better other actors.

To upgrade this chain, shrimp farming clubs or farmers’ associations should be established in this district. They need to link to other actors with contract systems to meet the market demands and ensure sustainable development of shrimp industry.