Tilapia marketing network of small-scale aquaculturists in Oaxaca, México.

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To identify and describe the type of short food supply chains (SFSC) in the tilapia marketing network´s core localities, where the small-scale aquaculturists (SSA) carry out their activity.

Methodology: An instrument was designed to be applied to the main head of the production unit, based on the conceptual framework of SFSC. The information was coded, and network analysis (NA) was performed.

Results: The SFSC are the primary method of marketing of the SSA; we identified, according to the conceptual framework, six types of short supply chains: Farm-selling, local markets, point of sale, delivery, consumption on the production site, and one intermediary. The core localities of the tilapia marketing network have the highest values in degree and betweenness and were identified as articulation points, due to the relations of purchase-sale at local level and the interaction with actors of other localities.

Study Limitations: The work was developed only with SSA registered by the Oaxacan Aquaculture Committee of Health and Safety.

Conclusions: The isolated SSA develops SFSC at local level, while the SSA located in better-linked regions construct mixed purchase and sale relationships from other locations. It was identifying a regional network of tilapia marketing, specifically related to Veracruz state.

Keywords: Small-scale aquaculturist, network analysis, short food supply chains