Evaluación de la Viabilidad Comercial de la Producción de Especies Acuícolas No Tradicionales en San Jacinto del bua, Santo Domingo.

Abstract

Abstract: Inland aquaculture represents a strategic productive alternative for economic diversification and food security in rural areas of Ecuador. This study evaluates the commercial and economic viability of tilapia, freshwater shrimp, and cachama production in San Jacinto de Búa, in the province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. A quantitative, descriptive approach was applied, using structured surveys of eight producers, eight marketers, and sixty consumers during 2025. The results indicate viability for tilapia and freshwater shrimp farming, with moderate production costs of US$1.94 and US$4.76 per kilogram, respectively. At the average market price, this translates into gross margins of 17.6% and 27.1%, respectively. Furthermore, a potential demand of approximately 256,836 kg is estimated for similar producers. The descriptive analysis shows that 75.0% of consumers make weekly purchases, prioritize freshness over price, and maintain a marked preference for traditional species, although they also show a willingness to try non-traditional species. Among the main barriers identified are a lack of financing, which affects 87.5% of producers, low levels of technology, and limited access to information. In contrast, cachama does not show immediate viability, as it is not a locally consumed product, which limits its production potential. Freshwater shrimp emerges as the most viable alternative for new investments, followed by tilapia, since both species meet the study's favorable financial indicators.