Economic Analysis of Rural and Artisanal Aquaculture in Ecuador

A profitability analysis of three types of culture for Rural and Artisanal Aquaculture practice in Ecuador is put under scrutiny: monoculture of the freshwater fish cachama (Piaractus brachypomus), monoculture of red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and polyculture tilapia - cachama. The economic models used for this particular analysis are Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Using these methods in combination with a sensitivity analysis foresaw the feasibility on investment for the monoculture of red claw crayfish showing the highest Net Present Value (NPV) among the trials, followed closely by the monoculture of cachama and the third place in order of profitability was found in the polyculture. The sensitivity analysis matched the results in NPV, with red claw. However, conditions such as experience in the Aquaculture field and technological advantage might be serious factors to be considered at the moment to select this investment.