La cadena de valor y el acceso a financiamiento del productor y exportador de camarón

Abstract

The Ecuadorian shrimp sector is one of the country’s main non-oil economic pillars, with particular importance in the province of El Oro. However, small producers face significant limitations in becoming direct exporters due to a lack of training in logistics processes, insufficient knowledge of international regulations, and limited promotion of shrimp in global markets. These challenges are compounded by restricted access to financing, as financial institutions consider the sector high-risk because of product vulnerability, high production costs, international competition, and national insecurity. This study, conducted with a descriptive and qualitative approach, gathers information from documentary sources, surveys, and interviews with producers and exporters from the Santa Rosa canton. The findings reveal that the value chain is affected by sector monopolization, high maintenance costs, lack of government support, and the absence of inclusive financial programs. All these factors reduce small producers’ ability to generate higher profit margins and enter international trade. The research concludes that strengthening the sector requires training in logistics and export processes, greater promotion of Ecuadorian shrimp in international markets, and the creation of suitable financial mechanisms. One alternative is the establishment of a specialized export center that provides technical and financial support, enabling small producers to access the global market directly, increase their income, and contribute to Ecuador’s GDP growth.