Financial feasibility of a small-scale urban aquaponic system in Brazil: production of lambari rosa (Astyanax lacustris) with lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to verify the economic feasibility of a small-scale aquaponics system for the production of lambari (Astyanax lacustris) for ornamental purposes or as live bait, together with lettuce (Lactuca sativa) for human consumption. The hypothesis is that this activity would be a profitable option that provides increased income to small producers. The investment needed to implement the project was US$ 40,118.06. Under these conditions, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) values varied from 13.2%, for the lowest prices (US$ 0.15 and US$ 0.34 for lambari and lettuce, respectively), to 41.5%, in the best scenario, with a price of US$ 0.14 for lambari and US$ 0.44 for lettuce. For the live bait market, only for the lowest selling price (US$ 0.15 for lambari and US$ 0.34 and US$ 0.39 for lettuce), the IRR was below the minimum attractive rate of return which was stipulated to be 12% here in. The return on investment will be achieved between 3.38 and 6.40 years (Ornamental fish market), and between 4.29 and 8.30 years (Live bait market), depending on the sales value used. Under the proposed conditions and scenarios, the aquaponic system evaluated herein presents a moderate risk in terms of economic viability.