Factors affecting investment decisions in aquacultural projects in the developing world, with particular reference to Southeast Asia

However, as few reliable data on costs and returns to the industry exist, before investment decisions are made, certain critical factors such as water quality, species selection, and climatological conditions must be evaluated. Cultural conditions affecting market acceptance must be considered, and much more definitive work on the economics of aquaculture and its development potential in less-developed countries needs to be done. Toward these ends, pre-investment surveys of the economic, climatological, cultural, and biological constraints present in the field should be conducted. At least two commercial fish farms should be set up as joint projects between Asian and American universities for instruction, research, and extension. Technical assistance is needed to develop appropriate marketing and credit institutions and internal structures for the programs. Finally, a handbook for development workers, with a checklist of such items as details of pond and raft construction, economic criteria. etc., should be commissioned.