Factors Related to the Adoption of Aquaponics Technology in CALABARZON and Metro Manila

Date

5-2018

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Dinah Pura T. Depositario

Abstract

This study was primarily conducted to determine the factors related to the adoption of aquaponics technology in CALABARZON and Metro Manila. Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics into one system that allows the simultaneous production of fish and crops. The specific objectives of the study are to: (1) describe the socio-demographic profile of the adopters and non-adopters as well as the individual innovativeness of aquaponics adopters; (2) describe the operations and profitability of a commercial aquaponics farm; (3) analyze the differences in the perceived attributes of aquaponics technology among adopters and non-adopters; (4) analyze the challenges faced by the adopters and non-adopters in the adoption of aquaponics technology; and (5) recommend measures for the developer and disseminator of aquaponics to help them promote the technology.

A descriptive type of research was employed in this study. A survey questionnaire was designed to gather primary data from the respondents. A total of 30 respondents were included in the study, composed of 15 adopters and 15 non-adopters of the aquaponics technology. Convenience sampling was employed for the non-adopters while a snowball sampling was utilized for the adopters. Content analysis of responses, frequency analysis, Chi-square, factor analysis, and profitability analysis were used to analyze the obtained data.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Freshwater Demonstration Fish Farm (BFAR-FDFF) was found to conduct activities related to the dissemination of the aquaponics technology. BFAR-FDFF had collaborated with a private entrepreneur to construct the learning units they granted among its beneficiaries. This private entrepreneur was considered as the developer of aquaponics technology as he was an innovator who offered different kinds of aquaponics products and services which he created himself. Through a Technology Readiness Level index, aquaponics technology was determined to be under TRL 5 and hence, it was concluded that it was still in its development stage. Majority of the respondents were composed of middle-aged males who finished a college education. Most of them had no prior experience on crop production and aquaculture enterprise and only became aware of aquaponics in 2017. The Internet was the source of awareness for both adopters and non-adopters. Seminars were the main source of knowledge about the technology, however, adopters were noted to rely more on the Internet than non-adopters. Most of the adopters were identified to have a high level of innovativeness which could be attributed to their immediate adoption of the aquaponics. A Chi-square test revealed that the source of knowledge was a significant factor in the adoption of aquaponics technology.

The operation and profitability of a commercial aquaponics farm was described in the study. The monthly net income of the business was recorded to be ₱19,075.51. The cost of produce per kilogram of lettuce was determined among aquaponics, hydroponics, and traditional farming and results show that aquaponics had the highest cost per kg of lettuce. Factor analysis results revealed that the adopters were focused on the food safety benefit and environmental friendliness of the technology as well as the minimization of pest and disease. It was deduced that adopters were more concerned with the social responsibility of the system. On the other hand, it was found that non-adopters were more focused on the economic advantage of aquaponics. The results suggest that non-adopters will be more motivated to adopt aquaponics if visible results specifically the technology’s profitability is experienced or at least observed.

The common challenges faced by most adopters were the lack of knowledge in aquaponics, nutrient deficiency in plants, lack of market, motor breakage and power outage, and pest and disease management. On the other hand, non-adopters cited some challenges that prevented them from adopting aquaponics such as the lack of knowledge, lack of capital, lack of time, and high operating expenses. Most of the non-adopters expressed the need to gather more information before its adoption so that unnecessary losses could be prevented. The wrong perceptions and assumptions of non-adopters regarding aquaponics could explain their delayed adoption of the technology.

Given the results of the study, it was recommended to the developer of the technology that he continue on improvising the aquaponics system to enable the construction of a simple, cheap, and sustainable alternative system. The investment cost for a 10 sq. m. aquaponics system was estimated to be almost ₱10,000. In addition, a customer discovery (i.e., face- to-face interview between the developer and current and potential buyers) should be conducted by the developer to further improve the technology.

For the disseminator of the technology, it was recommended that the value proposition that should be promoted by BFAR-FDFF is the food safety benefit and environmental friendliness of the technology. It was also suggested to give greater emphasis on the economic advantages of aquaponics during lectures. As the commercial scale production of aquaponics was deemed to be unprofitable, it is highly recommended for enthusiasts to raise ornamental fish under the system to gain higher profits. Also, small-scale set-ups could also be a great business opportunity for institutions and businesses as it could be used for aesthetic purposes. Moreover, it was identified that the Internet is a powerful medium to disseminate the technology. Thus, it is suggested for BFAR-FDFF to establish an online discussion group to help current and potential participants build networks and gain easier access to support needed to adopt the technology.

Language

English

LC Subject

Aquaponics, Fish trade--Philippines

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2018 M17 T83

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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