Profitability and perceived resilience benefits of integrated shrimp-tilapia-seaweed aquaculture in North Central Coast, Vietnam

Abstract

Aquaculture has an important role in strengthening livelihoods for the poor in the North Central Coast (NCC) region of Vietnam. Climatic shocks, especially rising temperature and changing rainfall patterns, are increasingly threatening aquaculture production in the region. Previous studies have highlighted the need and potential of climate adaptation interventions to address climatic shocks in agriculture. However, there is little empirical evidence of productivity and resilience benefits of aquaculture interventions. This study, therefore, assessed the private profitability and farmer perceived resilience benefits of integrated shrimp-tilapia-seaweed aquaculture practice in the NCC region. Our study results show higher economic gains, and greater reductions in feed and pond preparation costs when applying the integrated practice compared to non-integrative practices. This diversification of farmed aquaculture species improved resilience and adaptive capacity to climatic risks by supporting a stable source of income. Further, adopters of the integrated aquaculture reported greater access to food. However, successful adoption and scaling of the practice will require increased investment to ease financial constraints, enhance access to markets, and strengthening institutional capacity.