Aquaculture technology adoption and profitability of the polyculture system practiced by prawn and crab farmers: Case study of Anhui province in China

Abstract

This study examines the adoption of aquaculture technologies and profitability of prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense)-crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) polyculture system in Anhui province, China. A random sampling technique was used to select 67 farmers that were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Based on data from these interviews, economic return of this type of aquaculture farming was assessed using cost-benefit and profitability analysis. The results show that prawn-crab polyculture is a profitable enterprise in the study area. This study further applies a dichotomous binary model to understand the key enabling factors for Intensive Pond Aquaculture (IPA) / or organic aquaculture practices. We found that farmers’ likelihood to adopt such improved technologies was positively correlated with the education achieved by the farmers, insurance policy and government support they receive. Meanwhile, farmers who perceived relative complexity towards improved aquaculture technologies were less likely inclined to adopt it in their farms. These findings jointly suggest that (1) promoting such a polyculture system will increase prawn-crab farmers’ welfare and that of the aquaculture industry as whole. (2) Policies that help provide sufficient technical and financial support and extension services to the farmers need to be encouraged; (3) Strengthening their education level through training and re-training programs and, alleviate insurance constraints could be more effective at promoting technology adoption in prawn-crabs polyculture.