ANALYSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INPUT SUPPLIER AND AQUACULTURIST IN TAM GIANG LAGOON, THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE

Abstract

Aquafeed plays a crucial role in the success of aquaculture. Farmers mainly use industrial feed in aquaculture and it is distributed by dealer networks. This study aims to explore and describe nature of the relationship between feed suppliers and aquaculturists through analyzing characteristics, determinants of the relationship and impact of the relationship on aquaculture in Tam Giang lagoon, Thua Thien Hue province. The research is conducted based on 55 semi-structured interviews, two focus-group discussions and involved secondary information. The relationship was established from long-term business relationship between actors through trust and binding. Farmers tend to be binding and dependent on this relationship, which affects on the bargaining power and decision-making of farmers. Aquaculture can face many challenges if the feed suppliers increase the price or provide poor quality feeds.