Brazilian aquaculture production has grown systematically over the last decade, with tilapia
production as the main activity. This chain was the object of analysis of this thesis, which has
as a general objective to analyze the business environments of some tilapia production zones in
Brazil. Using primarily data from 463 Tilapia production units (TPUs) and four production
zones (TPZs) of three regions of the country, the research made use of fuzzy logic to estimate
indexes that comparatively analyze the business environment of these production areas. Based
on the Global Value Chains (CGV) approach, the thesis developed 24 indicators, organized into
four dimensions of analysis, used as inputs in a fuzzy inference system that estimated
multidimensional business environment fuzzy indexes (BEFI). The analysis of indicators and
indexes comparing the four zones, categorized as emerging and consolidated, in addition to
classifying the business environments pointed out important issues related to production
dynamics in these zones. Additionally, the research addressed general issues for the
development of the chain as a whole. Such as the benefits of a proximity to other agri-food
chains, institutional business environment and different governance arrangements. The thesis
is structured in three articles, in the first two discussions were developed that seek to expand
the field of research in CGV and contribute to fill gaps identified in the approach. In the last
article the indices and results of the zones are discussed in comparative terms. Finally, the thesis
presented its general limitations and contributions to a future research agenda that, in addition
to other issues, seeks to promote an expansion of studies of a quantitative and firm-level nature
in the field. And that also dialogue with shorter chains and/or in the initial phase of global
insertion, especially in the Global South. Is the case of aquaculture chains that have a potential
impact on such relevant issues as food safety and sustainable development.
|
