Evaluation of the cost-benefit ratio of two fish production systems in 4 farms in La Plata, Huila

Abstract

The pisciculture plays an important role in the economic dynamization of the municipality, small farmers and their families. Despite the fact that the families dedicated to this agricultural activity claim to obtain significant income, they do not keep a record that shows the economic profitability of their production system. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the current cost-benefit relationship in fish production on four farms in the municipality of La Plata, Huila. The management systems implemented on the farms were characterized, their profitability was analyzed, and the fish farmers' perception of their systems was identified. Qualitative methods such as field visits, interviews and quantitative methods such as surveys were used to collect the information and later systematize it using ATLAS.ti version 9.0 software. It was found that most of the producers choose to implement a semi-intensive system, which is related to the availability of resources they have on their farms and that part of the benefits are not only economic but also of high quality self-consumption, thus demonstrating that their system is an important source of family sustenance. Finally, it was found that the fish farmers are satisfied with their production systems.