Supply Chain Improvement of Mud crab Industry in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the existing supply chain for mudcrab in Region 10 and to identify areas for improvement. The study covered major mudcrab producing areas in Region 10. Reconnaissance survey, courtesy calls and visits to the Local Government Units, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Department of Agriculture Offices in the mudcrab producing areas were done to identify the study sites. Results revealed that almost half (49.42%) of the mudcrab production in the country is from Region 10 which were majority caught/sourced from Panguil Bay. There are four specific supply chains traced. Computation of the marketing cost and margin for each key player revealed that the profit margin is higher towards downstream key players (traders). Also, the shorter the supply chain the more equitable distribution of income is observed. There is no face to face interaction between the local traders and the metro manila traders which resulted to information asymmetry. Some of the issues included mortality of mudcrabs during transport, price fluctuation, opportunistic behavior of the fisherman, and political intervention. Finally, common perception of the interviewed respondents pointed out that mudcrab supply is decreasing in Region 10. Therefore, the need for further intervention project on the production technology/ reinforcement of mudcrab industry should be done.