The development of aquaculture in Central Thailand: Domestic demand versus export-led production

Citation

Belton B & Little DC (2008) The development of aquaculture in Central Thailand: Domestic demand versus export-led production. Journal of Agrarian Change, 8 (1), pp. 123-143. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0366.2007.00165.x

Abstract
Expansion of aquaculture in Central Thailand since the 1970s is intimately linked to growth in other sectors of the local and national economy, and to participation in global trade. Thailand's agro-industrialization has led to the diversification of agriculture in the Central Region and the co-development of aquaculture. Production of domestic aqua-products is largely positive for consumers, farmers and the environment. By contrast, intensive production of shrimp for export has been characterized by periods of boom and bust resulting from disease outbreaks and international competition. At the farm level this has translated into surges of profit followed by overcapitalization, debt and environmental degradation.

Keywords
1970; agriculture; AQUACULTURE; COMPETITION; CONSUMERS; DEGRADATION; DEMAND; Development; Disease; economy; environment; FARMERS; Growth; International; LEVEL; other; participation; PERIOD; PROFIT; REGION; SECTOR; Thailand; Trade

Journal
Journal of Agrarian Change: Volume 8, Issue 1

People

Professor Dave Little

Professor, Institute of Aquaculture