Table 2.4.1. Some major differences in present aquaculture farming practices

Benefit

Survival; subsistence activity

Profit; entrepreneurial activity

Ownership

Family/community

Owners/investors

Culture type

Usually polyculture

Usually monoculture

Integration

Usually integrated into rural farming activities

Separated from other activities, mainly dedicated, stand-alone farms

Waste use/management

Re-used, recycled within farm

Discharged/treated/recirculated

Diversification/specialization

Diversification of product and risk

Concentration of product and risk

Labour

Family/community

Wage earners

Inputs

Low inputs, low cost, available on-farm or locally

High inputs, high cost, available from specialized manufacturers

Output

Food and household income

Profit and dividends