Abstract
The bivalve mollusk, Anadara tuberculosa (Black Shell, in Spanish Concha Prieta), is found on America’s Pacific coast, where it is harvested for subsistence and commercial markets. This paper aims to diagnose the performance of the black shell’s value chain. We also identify several challenges that must be addressed to improve the sustainability of the black shell fishery in Ecuador. The applied methodology was quantitative and descriptive. Its design was non-experimental, field, cross-sectional and ex post facto. The investigation was carried out from January to October 2019 in the Jambelí archipelago, El Oro province, Ecuador. The study population consisted of 565 individuals, shellfish collectors, shellfish associations managers, traders, and restaurants from the A. tuberculosa production chain. The sample size was estimated at 222 informants. The type of sampling used was probabilistic, random, stratified, and with proportional allocation, with an effective participation rate of those selected of approximately 80%. The questionnaire was applied personally through the structured survey method, in writing, in the work area, and with their consent. The performance of the value chain was diagnosed in the dimensions of productivity, competitiveness, and quality of life, reaching a 75.1% index, a result that indicates that the value chain has a moderate to good performance level. The competitiveness dimension reached the highest performance, followed by productivity. Quality of life was the dimension with the lowest performance. The value chain can be improved if the following challenges are met: (1) Restoration of the mangrove ecosystem, (2) Promotion of low-intensity shellfish aquaculture, (3) Good sanitary management and purification, (4) Promotion of value-focused ventures, (5) Strengthening of organizations and agreements for the use and custody of mangroves, and (6) Strengthening of institutions that contribute to the advancement of these challenges.
Highlights
IntroductionVision, economic and social development requires a progressive structural change aimed at activities with greater productive dynamism, favoring the care of the environment [1]
From the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)vision, economic and social development requires a progressive structural change aimed at activities with greater productive dynamism, favoring the care of the environment [1]
A. tuberculosa production chain, based on the information collected from the Unión de Producción Pesquera Artesanal de El Oro, Ecuador (UOPPAO), from the Asociación de Empresarios de Comercio y Servicios de la Provincia de El Oro, Ecuador, and through the on-site review of the restaurants located on the islands and in the area’s coastline
Summary
Vision, economic and social development requires a progressive structural change aimed at activities with greater productive dynamism, favoring the care of the environment [1]. The concept of sustainability has been gaining ground, joining the supply chain (SC) in its three dimensions: economic, which translates into profitability to operate as a business; social, Sustainability 2021, 13, 10863. Inclusive growth is promoted by scaling up or complementing activities that produce greater added value [1]. This environmentally oriented approach considers the sustainable supply chain concept to preserve and protect natural resources to ensure their future availability [3]. The value chains of rural goods are usually made up of small producers who face various barriers to increasing productivity and competitiveness
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