Sustainable aquaculture and urban management: leveraging Tilapia farming for economic and social development

KGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sustainable aquaculture offers a promising solution by merging eco-friendly fish farming with urban development strategies. Sustainable aquaculture can enhance food security by adopting innovative technologies and resource-efficient practices while minimizing ecological impact. This research explores the integration of Tilapia farming into urban management strategies in Phayao, Thailand, focusing on its economic and social implications.METHODS: A structured questionnaire was distributed to ۴۳۶ Tilapia farmers in Phayao to gather data on farm productivity, income levels, market access, and sustainability practices. The data analysis employed descriptive statistics, t-test, multiple regression analysis, and Return on Investment calculations to assess the financial viability of Tilapia farming and the influence of various socioeconomic factors on production.FINDINGS: Key variables influencing Tilapia farming include farm size, access to quality feed, market access, pond management practices, water source, and government support. These factors are analyzed to assess their impact on profitability, sustainability, and social development. Results reveal that farm size, access to quality feed, and market connectivity are significant determinants of profitability. Furthermore, policy support and urban infrastructure are crucial to the long-term sustainability of Tilapia farming. This research illustrates how urban-integrated Tilapia farming can stimulate local economies and create careers while decreasing dependence on external food sources. All predictors showed statistical significance, with farm size (p< .۰۰۱), quality feed (p< .۰۰۱), market access (p< .۰۰۱), and government support (p< .۰۰۱) having strong effects. Pond management (p = .۰۲۲) and water source (p =.۰۴۱) had moderate but significant effects.CONCLUSION: It proposes that Tilapia aquaculture could provide a scalable model for sustainable urban economies, which is useful for creating a framework of aquaculture in urban planning. Tilapia farming strengthens local food networks, enhances livelihoods, and promotes sustainable urban growth, making it a vital aspect of urban sustainability efforts in Phayao and other comparable locations.

کلیدواژه ها:

sustainable aquaculture ، Urban Management ، Tilapia farming ، Economic ، Social development ، Phayao ، Farm productivity ، Market access