Indicator-based sustainability assessment of shrimp farming: a case for extensive culture methods in South-western coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

The paper analyses the sustainability of the shrimp-farming system in Bangladesh through developing an indicator-based sustainability assessment framework. Ten sustainability indicators were selected, and examined through calculating index values that allow the present shrimp farming to be assessed considering all sustainability components, such as economic, environmental and socio-institutional factors. The assessment was done using combined quantitative and qualitative data by samples collection, laboratory analysis, questionnaire survey and Focal Group Discussion (FGD). In terms of economic returns, shrimp-rice farming is performing better than shrimp-only farming. The overall sustainability status of shrimp-rice farming is slightly better than shrimp-only, but poor performance was observed in economic and socio-institutional sustainability in both farming systems. Both were in good condition in terms of environmental sustainability because present extensive method in the study area does not pollute the environment, as do intensive culture methods in many South-east Asian countries, as it uses less feed and fertilisers.