Integrating Assessment of Characterization, Sustainability and Efficiency for the Production of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): A Case Study in the Amazonas Region of Peru

In this research, aspects of sustainability and efficiency were evaluated to provide information to decision makers. First, 39 rainbow trout farms were characterized, sustainability indices were determined for 36 production units using Sarandon's methodology, and technical efficiency was evaluated using input-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The production units studied were grouped into three clusters, and the most determining variables were associated with total annual production. In addition, a medium-level general index was obtained with a total of 60 sub-indicators, divided into four social indicators (with 10 sub-indicators), four economic indicators (with 34 sub-indicators) and three environmental indicators (totaling 16 sub-indicators). Of 33 production units evaluated, 14 were identified as efficient; the Amazonas region's trout farmers were found to operate at 83.87% technical efficiency on average. All resources showed room for improvement and thus can be further adjusted. The most underutilized resources were land (area), feed and seed (fry), which could be reduced to increase technical efficiency. In conclusion, the trout farming units in northeastern Peru are differentiated into three groups by production volume and operate at a medium level of sustainability, with most at levels of technical inefficiency.

Automated summary

In this research, sustainability and efficiency in rainbow trout farming were evaluated. Sustainability indices were determined for 36 production units, and technical efficiency was assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The units were grouped into three clusters based on production volume, and the main determining factors were related to total annual production. The study identified 14 efficient units out of 33 evaluated, with an average technical efficiency of 83.87% for trout farmers in the Amazonas region.