EFFICIENCY OF RESOURCE USE AMONG POND FISH FARMERS IN CENTRAL UGANDA: A STOCHASTIC FRONTIER PRODUCTION FUNCTION APPROACH

This article presents the use of a stochastic frontier production function to examine the efficiency of resource utilization in pond fish farming in Uganda. The study draws on data from a field survey administered to 200 small-scale fish farmers in three major fish farming districts in Central Uganda: Mukono, Mpigi and Wakiso. The districts were part of a large aquaculture development project funded by the United States Agency for International Development-Aquaculture and Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program. Productive efficiency was analyzed using stochastic frontier analysis with a translog production function while assuming a truncated-normal distribution for the inefficiency term. The output variable was total quantity of fish produced, while input variables were quantity or value of inputs used in the production process, namely labor, pond size, stocking density, capital and feeds. The estimated index of resource-use efficiency revealed that small-scale farmers were inefficient in resource allocation by over-utilizing labor with an estimated allocative efficiency index of ?0.94 and grossly under-utilized pond size, feeds and fingerlings with allocative efficient indices of 1.15, 1.64, 3.71, respectively. The results suggest that there is considerable scope to expand output and also productivity by increasing production efficiency at the relatively inefficient farms and sustaining the efficiency of those operating at or closer to the frontier.     

Technical inefficiency of Vietnamese pangasius farming: A data envelopment analysis

Vietnamese pangasius farming needs to produce efficiently to compete in world markets. This study investigates the input- and output-specific technical inefficiency of Vietnamese pangasius farmers. First, we used a Russell-type (input–output) directional distance function to estimate the input- and output-specific technical inefficiency. Second, we applied a bootstrap truncated regression to analyze the factors influencing these technical inefficiencies. Results show that the main challenges for enhancing the performance of Vietnamese pangasius production are inadequate use of capital assets (inefficiency of 42%) and improper methods to achieve higher fish yield (inefficiency of 30%). Input-specific technical inefficiency (pond area and feed) is negatively associated with the experience and education level of pangasius farmers. Location of the farm in a saltwater intrusion area is positively associated with the inefficiency of producing fish. Outcomes of this study are useful to identify successful strategies to minimize the use of inputs while simultaneously maximizing fish production.     

Production risk,technical efficiency,and input use nexus: Lessons from Bangladesh aquaculture

The optimal use of resources in aquaculture is important, especially in developing countries, to obtain the highest possible outcome from the production process to support food security and poverty alleviation. Thus, within this study, the risk, efficiency, and input‐use variation in aquaculture farms in Bangladesh is investigated using a flexible stochastic frontier model with a risk and an inefficiency function. The results reveal that feed, labor, and capital have positive and significant impacts on production. In addition, an increased fingerling density and a larger farm increase the risk, whereas the use of feed and the capital invested have the opposite effect. Access to extension services has a positive effect and increases farm efficiency. An investigation of the farm size–productivity inverse relationship reveals that this phenomenon is not applicable to Bangladesh aquaculture. In general, efficient farmers are large‐scale farmers, who use a lower stocking density but a higher feeding intensity, resulting in a higher yield. On average, farmers use less labor and feed than what is optimal. To increase efficiency and reduce risk, it is recommended that more technical knowledge on optimal input use, extension service, and capital is made available to aquaculture farmers.     

Technical Efficiency of Shrimp Farming in Bangladesh: An Application of the Stochastic Production Frontier Approach

This study estimates the levels and determinants of farm‐level technical efficiency of shrimp farmers, using the stochastic production frontier function involving a model for technical inefficiency effects. A sample of 90 brackish water shrimp farms were surveyed in the region of Shyamnagar Upazila of the Satkhira District, Bangladesh, to study their economic efficiencies. Data were collected, using a questionnaire survey from September to October 2011. The mean technical efficiency level of the shrimp farmers was estimated at 82%, and thus, farmers operate 18% below the production frontier. The results suggest that the inefficiency effect is significant, and that education, age, non‐farm income and distance of the farm are significant determinants of technical inefficiency. By operating at full technical efficiency levels, shrimp production can increase from the current yield of 225.56 to 265.28 kg/ha. Besides improving technical efficiency, technological progress and extension services (such as dissemination of proper information of the technological practices and further adoption of technological practices) can also contribute to increased shrimp production levels. Finally, quality feed and fingerling at affordable prices need to be ensured to further promote shrimp production.     

Technical efficiency of carp production in Nepal: An application of stochastic frontier production function approach*

Abstract

Modern aquaculture is a relatively new activity among Nepalese farmers and a small contributor to the economy. Given the abundance of water resources and fish species, rising demand for fish, and its high profitability, aquaculture has potential for future expansion if it is given appropriate attention from the government. In Nepal, productivity in aquaculture is much lower compared to other countries in the region, which suggests that there is potential for increased fish production through technological progress and improvement in farm‐level technical efficiency. However, no formal analysis has yet been conducted to assess the productive performance of Nepalese aquaculture and its potential for future improvement. Against this background, this paper examines the technical efficiency and its determinants for a sample of fish pond farms from the Tarai region of the country using a stochastic production frontier involving a model for technical inefficiency effects. The estimated mean technical efficiency is 77%, with intensive farms being more efficient than extensive farms. The adoption of regular fish, water, and feed management activities has a strong positive effect on technical efficiency.     

Technical efficiency of carp production in Pakistan

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to examine technical efficiency and its determinants in carp pond culture in Pakistan. A stochastic production frontier involving the model for technical inefficiency effects is applied separately to the samples of semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive carp producers. The mean technical efficiencies for semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive farms were 0.673 and 0.561, respectively. By operating at full technical efficiency the semi‐intensive/intensive farms could, on average, increase their production from 3.0 to 4.5 Mt/ha and the extensive farms from 2.6 to 4.6 Mt/ha. Much of these efficiency gains would come from the improvement in fish, water and feed monitoring and management. Besides improving technical efficiency, potential also exists for raising carp productivity through increased intensification and technological progress. However, the realization of these potentials will depend on continuous government support for adequate provision of inputs, market and infrastructure, technology transfer and development and extension and credit services to carp farmers.     

Agglomeration externalities and technical efficiency: An empirical application to the pond aquaculture of Pangas and Tilapia in Bangladesh

This article analyzes the effects of agglomeration externalities on productivity and efficiency by applying a stochastic production frontier model with a technical inefficiency model to the aquaculture industry. Agglomeration externalities refer to the costs and benefits to firms from clustering. Agglomeration studies within aquaculture have focused on the intensive salmon industry, whereas this study focuses on low-technology, extensive pond aquaculture, representing most farmers in the developing world and using Bangladesh as an empirical case. The results show that there is a positive externality effect of regional industry size on the production possibility frontier and a negative effect on technical efficiency. Farm density enhances efficiency and the farm proximity to output markets decreases efficiency. Thus, policies aimed at increasing aquaculture pond production in developing countries should consider farm locations and their access to input and output markets, all of which affect farm productivity and efficiency.     

Technical efficiency in tilapia farming of Bangladesh: a stochastic frontier production approach

Genetically improved farmed tilapia is increasingly getting popular in Bangladesh. It has high production potential. Its dominant production technology ranges from extensive to improved extensive particularly in the rural areas. This study estimates levels and determinants of farm-level technical efficiency of tilapia farmers of Bangladesh using stochastic frontier production function involving a model for technical inefficiency effects. Data from fifty tilapia farmers of Jessore district are used in the analysis. The mean technical efficiency level of the tilapia farmers is 78%, and thus, the farmers operate 22% below the frontier production. Inefficiency effect is significant, and age, education, income, culture length, pond age, pond depth, water colour and pond tenure, as a group, are significant determinants of technical inefficiency. By operating at full technical efficiency levels, tilapia yield can be improved from the current level of 7.36–8.96?tons per hectare. The decision to add or not to add inputs is sometimes taken arbitrarily and not based on technology requirement. There is a lack of understanding of the technology practices. Fisheries extension efforts are required for proper understanding of the technology practices, further adoption and spread. For promotion of tilapia production, quality feed and seed at affordable price needs to be ensured.     

Stocking density and welfare of cage farmed Atlantic salmon: application of a multivariate analysis

The welfare of fish is receiving increasing attention and attempts have been made to control welfare in farmed fish through regulation of management practices, including stocking density. However, there is little published information on the influence of stocking density on welfare of fish in marine cages. This present study examined welfare in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in cages on a commercial marine farm, exposed to densities ranging from 9.7 to 34 kg m⁻³. On three occasions over a period of 10 months, fish were sampled from each cage, weighed and measured; their fin condition assessed and blood samples taken for measurement of glucose and cortisol. A multivariate analysis was used to combine four commonly used measures of fish welfare (condition of body and fins and plasma concentrations of glucose and cortisol) into a single welfare score. As well as objectively reflecting a coherence within the data, this score was consistent with the evaluation of welfare by experienced farmers. A generalized linear model indicated that the median welfare score for each cage was significantly related to sampling period, to stocking density (mean over the previous 3 months) and to location of the cage. A model with all the data from individual fish proved to be more robust and also identified sample period, stocking density (mean over 3 months) and position of the cage as significant predictors of the welfare score. There was no significant association between the welfare score and the length of time since grading or lice treatment. Further analysis of the relationship between stocking density and the welfare score suggested that there was no trend up to an inflection point ca. 22 kg m⁻³, after which increasing stocking density was associated with lower welfare scores. This study suggests that, while stocking density can influence the welfare of Atlantic salmon in production cages, this is only one influence on their welfare and on its own cannot be used to accurately predict or to control welfare.     

Effects of stocking density and natural food availability on the extensive cage culture of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) in a shallow Pampean lake in Argentina

An experiment was conducted for 80 days at La Salada de Monasterio Lake (Buenos Aires, Argentina) to assess the effect of stocking density and natural food availability on the growth and production of zooplanktivorous juveniles of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) in extensive cage culture. Ten cages were installed and stocked with 33‐day‐old fish, at three density treatments: 25, 50 and 75 ind. m^?3. Zooplankton was analysed in terms of abundance, biomass and diversity considering three size classes. Caged pejerrey diet was assessed regularly. The pejerrey gut contents composition was clearly different from cage zooplankton, showing a trend to contain bigger components. Reared fish exhibited a tendency to diversification of the diet and to change the mean prey size depending on fish length and stocking density. Regression models showed a positive and direct effect of the bigger zooplankton biomass on fish growth rates, which were also inversely affected by the availability of smaller zooplankton. The results demonstrate that stocking density and available zooplankton, in both quantity and quality, are key factors in regulating extensive cage culture of pejerrey. Handling stocking densities in a dynamic way it is possible to maximize fish growth, biomass harvest or fish number according to the goals of production.     

Effects of Diffused Aeration and Stocking Density on Growth, Feed Conversion, and Production of Florida Red Tilapia in Cages

The effects of four levels of diffused aeration (0, 6, 12, and 24 hours/day) and two stocking densities (400 and 600 fish/m³) on the culture performance of caged Florida red tilapia were evaluated in 1 m³ cages in a 2 ha watershed pond on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Fish obtained a nutritionally-complete (36% protein), floating feed from demand feeders for 143 to 146 days. Diffused aeration had no significant ( P > 0.05) effect on fish growth, survival, feed conversion, and production in cages. Combined across all levels of diffused aeration, fish stocked at 400/cage had a greater growth rate (2.21 vs. 1.97 g/day), larger final body weight (370 vs. 335 g), and a lower feed conversion ratio (1.69 vs. 1.80) than fish stocked at 600/cage ( P < 0.05). The final biomass of fish stocked at the higher density (181 kg/m³) was greater than at the lower density (140 kg/m³). The enhancement of water exchange rates by diffused aeration did not increase tilapia growth rate or production in cages.     

Premiers resultats de l'elevage en cages de Tilapia nilotica (L.) dans le Lac Kossou,Cote d'IvoirePreliminary results of cage rearing Tilapia nilotica (L.) in Lake Kossou,Ivory Coast

The experimental rearing of T. nilotica in 1-m³ cages floating in Lake Kossou, Ivory Coast, was performed between March 1974 and April 1975. The fish were fed water-stable pellets (24.7% protein), the daily ration generally varying between 6 and 3.4% of the ichthyomass present. Fingerlings (9–55 g each) were stocked at densities of 200–400 fish/m³. They reached commercial size (more than 200 g) within 4–6 months, depending on the biomass present in the cage (stocking density and average individual weight of fish), as well as on limological conditions. The average annual mortality was 5.9%. Annual production varied from 36 to 64 kg/m³. The feed conversion rate averaged 2.8. A reduction of the daily ration for fish larger than 40 g reduced this value.Fingerlings should average at least 20–30 g in weight at initial stocking of the cage. Two crops a year can then be easily realized. If only male fish are reared, three harvests per year appear to be possible, increasing the annual cage production of fish close to 200 kg/m³ with proper management.The possible development of T. nilotica cage culture is actually hampered due to the lack of adequate fish feed available commercially, and to the lack of sufficient quantities of calibrated fingerlings throughout the year.     

确定性前沿模型及其在测定我国农户精养淡水鱼技术效率中的应用

研究概述了确定性前沿模型的产生、分类、特点、参数求解方法及其在我国的应用现状。在此基础上,以2002年和2003年我国农户精养淡水鱼成本收益资料为样本,应用前沿模型理论建立了我国农户精养淡水鱼的确定性统计前沿模型并测定了这两年中我国主要淡水鱼养殖省市的农户精养淡水鱼技术效率,得出结论为:物质资本投入对我国农户精养淡水鱼产出的影响远大于劳动力投入;我国农户精养淡水鱼生产处于规模报酬不变阶段;我国农户精养淡水鱼生产存在着较大的技术无效性和管理缺失现状,这一现状存在着明显的地区差异和时间差异。     

Production trends and technical efficiencies of culture-based fisheries in five tropical irrigation reservoirs: A case study from Sri Lanka

Culture-based fisheries (CBF) are increasingly accepted as strategies for enhancing inland fisheries, especially in tropical Asia. In Sri Lanka, CBF development in irrigation reservoirs has gained momentum due to concerted efforts of government fisheries authorities for inland fisheries enhancement. In the present study, production trends of five irrigation reservoirs of Sri Lanka before and after the introduction of CBF were investigated and apparently optimal CBF yields were not realised. Hence, the stochastic frontier production function (SFPF) was employed to quantify technical efficiencies (TE) of CBF. For each reservoir, annual averages of input data from 2005 to 2018 (14 years) were used in the TE analysis. Hence, total sample size for estimation of SFPF was 70. Although CBF production gradually increased in all five reservoirs from 2005 to 2018, there were substantial variations of total fish production across the reservoirs. The SFPF indicated that CBF production could be further increased through more efficient management of inputs (i.e. number of fishers, mean number of fishing days per year and stocking density).     

Effect of stocking density on the growth performance and yield of Nile tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus (L., 1758)] in a cage culture system in Lake Kuriftu,Ethiopia

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density on the growth performance and yield of Oreochromis niloticus in cage culture in Lake Kuriftu. The treatments had stocking densities of 50 (50F), 100 (100F), 150 (150F), and 200 (200F) fish per m^?3. All treatments were in duplicate. Juveniles with an average weight of 45. 76±0.25 g were stocked in the treatments. The fish were fed a composite mixture of mill sweeping, cotton seed, and Bora food complex at 2% of their body weight twice per day using feeding trays for 150 days in powdered form. The growth performance of O. niloticus was density dependent. The final mean weight of O. niloticus ranged 147.76±0.28–219.71±1.42 g and the mean daily weight gain was 0.69±0.01–1.15±0.02 g day^?1. Fish held in cages with lower density were heavier than the ones held at higher densities, and showed higher weight gain and daily weight gain. The most effective stocking density, in terms of growth parameters, was 50 fish m^?3. The gross yield (4.5–20.55 kg cage^?1) showed a significant difference with increasing stocking density (P<0.05). Moreover, the apparent food conversion ratio (2.48–7.22) was significantly affected by stocking density (P<0.05). However, survival rate was not affected by stocking density (P>0.05). It can be concluded that the most effective stocking densities were at 50 fish m^?3 cage for larger size fish demand in a short period and 200 fish m^?3 for higher gross production with supplementary feed.     

Optimal Product Mix for Integrated Livestock-Fish Culture Systems on Limited Resource Farms

A mixed integer linear programming model was developed to select constrained optimum combinations of aquacultural production alternatives for limited-resource farmers. The model maximized production of fish and livestock for home consumption and cash income.
Poor farmers without access to credit sources make best use of pond resources by stocking fish and utilizing inorganic fertilizer. Integrated systems require greater levels of capital to cover livestock feed costs. Ponds that cannot be drained are best utilized by stocking a polyculture system of bighead carp ( Aristichthys nobilis ), common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and fathead minnows ( Pimephales pro-melas ) while drainable ponds are more efficiently utilized in tilapia production.     

Technical efficiency of carp pond culture in South Asia: An application of a stochastic meta‐production frontier model

Abstract

A stochastic meta‐production frontier model is estimated to examine the inter‐country differences in levels of technical efficiency of semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive carp pond culture systems among the major carp producing countries in South Asia, namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. The mean technical efficiencies for semi‐intensive/intensive farms vary from 0.68 for Nepal to 0.79 for India, with an overall average of 0.75 and those for extensive farms vary from 0.48 for Bangladesh to 0.62 for Pakistan, with an overall mean of 0.57. Differences in efficiency levels are explained in terms of various farm‐specific and country‐specific factors by estimating a model for technical inefficiency effects. The adoption of recommended fish, water, and feed management practices is found to be critical for improved performance of carp producers. For each country, the study also compares the efficiency scores based on its own production frontier with those obtained from the meta‐production frontier.     

Economic efficiency and optimum stocking densities in fish polyculture: an application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to Chinese fish farms

Polyculture is commonly practiced in pond aquaculture where several fish species are reared together, creating a multi-output production structure. This study applied a nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique for multiple outputs to: (1) measure economic or ‘revenue' efficiency and its technical and allocative components for a sample of Chinese polyculture fish farms; and (2) derive the optimum stocking densities for different fish species. The mean economic efficiency was estimated to be 0.74. Technical inefficiencies accounted for most of the production inefficiencies in Chinese fish farms. On average, farmers should increase grass carp and decrease black carp stocking rates. Smaller farms and those from the developed regions were found to be relatively more technically and economically efficient.     

Technical efficiency of carp production in India: a stochastic frontier production function analysis

This paper aims to examine the levels and determinants of technical efficiency in carp pond culture in India. The stochastic production frontier technique involving the model for technical inefficiency effects is applied separately to samples of semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive carp producers interviewed during 1994–95. The results showed significant technical inefficiencies in carp production in India, especially among extensive farms. The mean technical efficiencies for semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive sample farms were estimated to be 0.805 and 0.658 respectively. By operating at full technical efficiency levels, the semi‐intensive/intensive farms could, on average, increase their production from about 3.4 Mt ha^?1 to 4.1 Mt ha^?1. Likewise, the extensive farms could increase their production from 1.3 Mt ha^?1 to 1.9 Mt ha^?1. Much of these efficiency gains would come from improvement in the adoption of recommended fish, water and feed management and monitoring practices. Besides expanding production area, the results indicated several other possibilities for increasing carp production in India by increasing yields per hectare, such as: (1) increased intensification of carp culture (i.e. moving from extensive to semi‐intensive or intensive systems); (2) improvement in technical efficiency at the farm level; and (3) technological progress. However, the realization of these potentials will depend on continuous efforts by the government in ensuring an adequate supply of inputs, technology transfer and development and adequate provision of research, extension and credit services in aquaculture.     

Effect of Multiple-batch Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Stocking Density and Feeding Rate on Water Quality, Production Characteristics, and Costs

To quantitatively define relationships among stocking densities, feeding rates, water quality, and production costs for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, grown in multiple‐batch systems, twelve 0.1‐ha earthen ponds were stocked at 8,600, 17,300, 26,000, or 34,600 fingerlings/ha along with 2,268 kg/ha of carryover fish. Fish in all ponds were fed daily to apparent satiation using 32% protein floating feed. Temperature and dissolved oxygen in each pond were monitored twice daily; pH weekly; nitrite‐N, total ammonia nitrogen, and Secchi disk visibility every 2 wk; nitrate‐N, chlorophyll a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand monthly; and chloride every other month. The costs of producing channel catfish at different stocking densities were estimated. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) as a result of stocking density among treatment means of (1) gross or net yields, (2) mean weights at harvest, and (3) growth or survival of fingerlings (24–36%) and carryover fish (77–94%). Mean and maximum daily feeding rates ranged from 40 to 53 kg/ha/d and 123 to 188 kg/ha/d, respectively, and feed conversion ratios averaged 1.75. There were no differences in any feed‐related parameter as a result of density. Water quality variables showed few differences among densities at samplings and no differences when averaged across the production season. Yield of fingerlings increased as stocking density increased with significant differences between the two highest and the two lowest stocking densities. Breakeven prices were lower at the higher stocking densities as a result of the higher yield of understocked fish and similar mean individual fish weights produced at these higher stocking densities. Overall, varying stocking densities of fingerlings in multiple‐batch systems had little effect on production efficiency and water quality. Additional research on managing the population structure of carryover fish in commercial catfish ponds may be warranted.