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Fish Marketing in El Salvador

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INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AQUACULTURE
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT R Dennis Rouse, Director STATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY Auburn, Alabamo

January 1977

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
In recent years, one goal of the Fisheries Service, Government of El Salvador, has been to increase the availability of fish, an inexpensive source of high quality protein, through the promotion and extension of fishcultural practices to Salvadoran farmers. The production of pond-raised fish had been limited in part by marketing problems encountered by producers. A study was conducted to determine factors which influence marketing of fish and implications of these factors in the development of fishculture. Emphasis was placed on marketing in rural areas, where incomes were lowest, diets inadequate, and 60 percent of the population reside. Municipalities with public markets were partitioned into three categories on the basis of size. A stratified random sample was chosen from each category. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected through interviews with fish vendors in public markets. Locations were visited four times during the year to detect seasonal marketing patterns. Most fish consumed in El Salvador came from marine sources, both industrial and artisanal. Freshwater artisanal fisheries also contributed substantially to the total supply. The production from fishponds was insignificant at the national level in 1973. Most fish were marketed through established channels of distribution. Major cities served as centers of fish distribution for surrounding areas. In large cities, substantial quantities of all types of fish were sold. Less expensive fish comprised a greater part of sales in the small cities. Limited amounts of less expensive fish were sold in rural markets. Both supply and income appeared to influence the consumption of fish. The demand for fish in the cities absorbed a large part of supply, thus limiting amounts available for rural areas. Higher incomes allowed large city consumers to purchase relatively great quantities of all types of fish. In contrast, low incomes of rural dwellers restricted consumption to limited quantities of cheaper types of fish. Within rural areas, both fresh and total fish consumption was greater in the central zone than in other zones. This was attributed to the proximity of towns in the central zone to major centers of fish distribution located in the large cities. A general trend of increased prices and sales was detected during the weeks preceding Easter. Demand for fish increased greatly during this period as a result of religious customs. An increase in fish sales in rural towns of the coastal and northern zones was not detected during the period preceding Easter, however. Increased demand for fish in cities and nearby areas absorbed more of the actual supply, thus limiting availability of fish in more distant rural towns. Consumers paid premium prices for all freshwater species of Cichlidae: guapotes, mojarras, and tilapias. These fish generally sold higher than even the more preferred marine species. The freshwater catfishes, characins, and top-water minnows sold for prices similar to those for less preferred marine species. Market demand for fish in urban areas was projected at 7,651 metric tons for 1985, representing additional needs for 4,118 metric tons over 1973 urban supply. Market demand in rural areas was projected at 1,956 metric tons for 1985, representing additional needs for 1,077 metric tons. In view of growing demand for fish in cities, however, supply to rural areas may decrease in coming years. A substantial increase in demand for fish in El Salvador is projected for the near future. Domestic production has not increased significantly in recent years. Trends indicate that efforts to increase the production of fish in all sectors should be undertaken. Large quantities of inexpensive fish are needed to benefit low income consumers. Fishculture can make an important contribution to future fish supplies in El Salvador for several reasons. Pond-raised fish are preferred over many other types. Fish can be grown near areas of consumption, thus reducing transportation costs and improving quality. Pond-raised fish can be economically produced at competitive prices. Fishculture becomes especially important when the supply situation in rural areas is considered. Increased production of pond-raised fish would reduce dependency of rural areas on cities for fish supplies. Though problems confronting many rural inhabitants are numerous and complex, development of fishculture represents one important way in which conditions in rural areas may be improved.

CONTENTS Page 2 IN T R OD U C T IO N -----------------------------------------------------------3 Basic Data About El Salvador .............................. 3 Factors Affecting the Demand for Food 4 Fish M arketing ------- __...-- - ......- --5 O bjectives of Study....................... 5 M E T H O D O L O G Y ............................................................. 5 Selection of Sam ple ...................... 5 Prelim inary V isits ......................... 6 T im e of Visits ............................ 6 Inform ation Obtained ....................... 6 Delimitation of Fish Types -----------------6 D ata An alysis ............................ 7 RESULTS AND D IsCUSSION ......................................... 7 M arket C hannels------------------- ------SUMM ARY AND CONCLUSIONS
------------------------------------

Price and Sales Trends in Public Markets Projected Demand for Fish----------------Projected N eeds -----------------------------------------------------17 M eans of -Increasing Supply ............................... -17 .L IT E R A rURE CIT E D .................................................... 18 --A P PE ND I X ..................................................................... --- 9 1

Fish Marketing in El Salvador*
R. W. PARKMAN and E. W. McCOY**

INTRODUCTION

THE

WORLD FOOD SITUATION has been recognized as an immediate and complex problem. A recent food survey conducted by the United Nations found that an estimated 50 percent of the world's people suffer from hunger, malnutrition, or both (6). The majority live in third world or developing nations, regions characterized by rapid population growth and low incomes (19). Therefore, any solution to the food problem requires a multi-faceted approach. Improvements in quality of diets in developing countries can be attained only by increases in purchasing power. People must be able to buy the additional food produced. It is particularly important that increases in income occur among the poor. Population growth must be slowed to improve conditions for many of the world's poor. Past years' economic devel-

opment resulted in higher incomes, but this was largely offset by population increases. Food production barely grew with population, with no provision for the moderately expanded demand resulting from improvement in per capita income (19). An increased supply of food, particularly foods of higher nutritional quality, is required to improve the quality of life for many of the world's undernourished. In densely populated developing countries, new agricultural lands are not available at a reasonable cost. Thus, increases in food production must be achieved through improvements in yields per acre (19). Streeter (16) cited examples of how the use of modern cultivation practices, utilization of improved varieties of traditional crops, and introduction of non-traditional crops increase productivity of agricultural lands in developing countries. One example was from the Republic of El Salvador, a country which has much in common with other developing regions of the world. One of the important problems facing this country is the need for increased food production.

* This report was derived from "An Overview of Fish Marketing in El Salvador," an unpublished M.S. thesis by R. W. Parkman, Auburn University, 1976, and is submitted as a contributing part of USAID contract CSD/2780. ** Former Graduate Research Assistant and Associate Professor, respectively, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures and Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology.

Basic Data About El Salvador
El Salvador is a Central American republic bordered by Guatemala to the west, Honduras to the north and east, and

EL SALVADOR
GUATEM ALA
-

International boundary

-x(
-.-- +-

International boundary, indefinite Notional capital Roilrood Road
10 20 20 30 30 Miles Kilometers

0

0

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La Libertod

PACIFIC

OCE AN
FIG. 1. Map of El Salvador.

the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is the smallest country in Central America with an area of approximately 21,000 square kilometers, roughly the size of Massachusetts. The coastline has a distance of 321 kilometers (5). Greatest land distances are 256 kilometers in an east-west direction and 96 kilometers north to south, Figure 1. Mountain ranges divide the country into three geographical regions running east to west. These are (1) a narrow coastal plain, (2) a populous central plateau where the three largest cities are located, and (3) a mountainous northern region (10). The climate is tropical. Mean temperatures vary with altitude. There are two distinct seasons, a rainy period which lasts from May to October and a dry period the rest of the year (5). El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Central America. Population in 1973 was estimated at 3,814,000, a density of 181 persons per square kilometer. At the current rate of increase, 3.5 percent per year, population would double in 20 to 21 years (2). Average per capita income was $324 in 1972 (4). However, 80 percent of the population received only 37 percent of the income (17). For this low income group, average annual per capita income was approximately $150. Income in rural areas was only one-third of the national average, with similar inequalities in distribution (11). Landless families and those owning farms of less than I hectare comprised 62 percent of the rural population and received only 27.2 percent of the income in 1970. In contrast, rural families with land holdings of 200 hectares or more made up 0.3 percent of the rural population but received 22 percent of the income. A nutritional survey in El Salvador in 1963 revealed that 75 percent of the nation's children suffered from some form of malnutrition. This was considered to be the contributing cause in more than 50 percent of the deaths of children below the age of 5. A 1965 survey in 30 rural communities concluded that a deficiency in animal protein (only 26 percent of recommended levels) 1 was one of the more serious nutritional problems confronting rural inhabitants (11). The traditional diet of rural Salvadorans consists of tortillas, beans, and coffee or coffee substitute, occasionally supplemented with rice or cheese. This diet, deficient by 900 calories when compared with the minimum food ration recommended by the General Direction of Public Health in El Salvador, is notably lacking in animal protein (11). Human organisms do not distinguish between essential amino acids of plant or animal origin so long as an adequate quantity of each is present. Plant proteins lack one or more essential amino acids, while meat, milk, eggs, and fish proteins are high quality because they contain a balance of the nine amino acids essential to man (12). Man traditionally balanced his diet with proteins of animal origin. Although animal protein per se is not required by human organisms for adequate nutrition, it is generally conceded that providing sufficient quantities of foods from animal Sources is one means by which world protein nutrition can be improved.

Factors Affecting the Demand for Food
Agriculture constitutes the largest single sector in the economy of El Salvador. For many countries, largely dependent on agriculture, the relationship between population and available agricultural land has great influence on the ability of a country to feed itself. In El Salvador, a country of approximately 2 million hectares, an estimated 1.6 million hectares are in agricultural use. Virtually no additional agricultural land is available for cultivation, so increases in domestically produced food supply must come through increased productivity from existing agricultural lands. Agricultural production must grow with population to maintain per capita consumption of food, even at substandard levels existing in El Salvador. This has not taken place. Since 1962, agricultural production in El Salvador has increased at the rate of about 1 percent per year. The actual net food deficit threatens to grow in the immediate future (11). The concentration of population in urban areas influences the demand for food in developing countries. For most agricultural products, urbanization means that a more efficient system of distribution must be developed to move food from population areas to centers of consumption. In El Salvador, 37.9 percent of the population was urban in 1970. This will increase to 50 percent by 1985 (13). As more people move into urban centers, demand for food will increase in these areas. Economic growth and levels of income rank second only to population among factors influencing demand for food in developing countries. With rising incomes, people spend more money for food and particularly for food of higher quality (19). Efforts to improve quality of diets in developing countries can be successful only if accompanied by an increase in purchasing power. People must be able to buy any additional food produced. In El Salvador, the real per capita income is increasing at the moderate rate of 1 percent per year (2). However, it is particularly important that increases occur in the lower income strata to produce a real impact on the demand for food. Income elasticity of demand for food measures the percentage increase in food expenditure resulting from a 1 percent rise in per capita income. With increasing incomes, the income elasticity of demand for food generally declines. This tendency is because of the inelasticity of the human stomach. A hungry person may spend an initial increase in

income on food, probably the least expensive available. After
hunger pains have subsided, additional income may be spent for foods of higher quality in an effort to vary the previously bland or monotonous diet. Upon reaching is certain on other consumption, however, additional income a spent level of things, perhaps for improved housing or clothing, because the capacity of a person to eat continuously greater quantities of food is limited. In low income countries, uncertainty exists regarding the rapidity of the decline in the income elasticity of demand for food. For n~early all high quality foods, such as meats, dairy, products, fruits, and vegetables, the income elasticity of demand is higher in developing countries than in developed countries (19). In El Salvador the income elasticities of demand for pork, fish, beef, and chicken were reported to be 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, and

' Recommended levels for adult females, for adult males, 58 grams per day of protein are 70 grams per day levels for and higher growing children. 4

1.0, respectively (7). These data indicate that a moderate increase in demand for these products will occur with growth

in average per capita income. The potential inclusion of the less expensive of these animal products in the diets of lower income consumers may become especially important if this group shares in the reported increase in income.

Objectives of Study
In recent years one goal of the Fisheries Service, GOES, has been to increase the availability of fish through promotion and extension of fishcultural practices to Salvadoran farmers. Production of pond-raised fish had been limited in part by marketing problems encountered by producers. Fish were recognized as a potential source of high quality protein to supplement the diets of lower income Salvadorans. Little knowledge of fish marketing was available in rural areas, where incomes were lowest, diets inadequate, and 60 percent of the population reside. The present study attempted to contribute basic information on factors which influence the marketing of fish, especially in rural areas of the country, through the following specific objectives: 1. To determine existing fish marketing channels in El Salvador. 2. To determine the per capita consumption of fish. 3. To determine the factors which influence the demand for fish.

Fish Marketing
Fish has recently been recognized by the Government of El Salvador (GOES) as an inexpensive source of high quality protein to supplement the diets of lower income Salvadorans. In 1969 GOES requested that the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Peace Corps assist the Fisheries Service, General Direction of National and Renewable Resources, to increase the production of fish in inland waters, including natural lakes, rivers, and ponds of the country. In the evaluation of fishponds in El Salvador, it was determined that the majority of fish harvested were sold. Prices obtained by pond owners depended on region of the country, size of fish, and the buyer (9). Several pond owners considered marketing as the most important problem associated with fish culture in El Salvador, and other owners were not producing fish because of low prices. The authors suggested that pond owners advise neighbors of pending harvests and sell fish at pond-side, sell in rural areas where there is less competition from other types of fish, harvest during the Christmas and Easter seasons when demand for fish is greater, and that neighboring pond owners coordinate harvests to provide a more stable supply of fish to an area. Fish marketing was deemed of sufficient importance to warrant a specific section in a fish culture manual recently preDared by the Fisheries Service. The manual emphasized that pond owners seek sales outlets for fish prior to the actual date of harvest (14). Tilic and McCleary (19) performed an analysis of the commercialization of fish products in El Salvador. The primary objective was to evaluate the marketing system for fish destined for domestic consumption and relate the implications to marine fisheries development. Consumption of fresh fish was estimated as being 60 percent in the three large cities, 20 percent in coastal areas, 15 percent in other cities, and 5 percent in rural areas. Most fresh fish in the cities were bought by middle class families as an inexpensive alternative to meat. Upper class consumers bought approximately 3 percent of the total domestic supply, normally in the form of fresh or frozen fish, from retail outlets other than public markets. Consumption of fresh fish in rural areas of the country was insignificant because of lack of supply and low incomes of most rural inhabitants. Most dried fish were marketed in rural areas where fresh fish were normally not available. Consumption of fish increased greatly during months preceding Easter in response to traditional religious customs in this predominantly Romian Catholic counitry. Followinig Easter, consumption of fish declined and remained low for the duration of the rainy season. Deficiencies in the fish marketing system in El Salvador were characteristic of those in developing countries. Quantities were limited, handling and transportation methods were inadequate, and geographical availability was restricted. A large number of intermediaries moved small quantities of fish with elevated marketing margins. The deficiencies were expressed in modest levels of consumption, poor quality fish, and reduced demand.

METHODOLOGY Selection of Sample
Markets were divided into three major categories which correspond to the pattern small cities, and rural towns.of fish distribution: large cities, Large cities were defined as municipalities with populations greater than 100,000. This group contained only three cities: San Salvador, Santa Ana, and San Miguel. The second group, small cities, contained 16 cities with populations of 30,000 to 100,000 and included departmental capitals and other important cities. The lower population figure separated regional commercial centers from smaller rural towns. Comprising the rural towns group were 233 municipalities (pueblos) with populations of less than 30,000. Most rural inhabitants live in or near pueblos and are dependent on pueblos public markets for commodities not produced at home. Data collected in rural towns represented marketing to the rural sector of the. population. Because of differences in the location of towns relative to the seacoast and large cities, possible variations in fish sales within the rural towns warranted further stratification of this group. Rural towns, therefore, were divided into three zones corresponding to the three natural geographic regions of the country. After stratification, 50 pueblos were located in the coastal zone, 94 in the central zone, and 89 in the northern zone. Public markets with fish sales in all large cities were visited during the survey. A random sample of 7 small cities, 9 rural towns from the coastal zone, 10 from the central zone, and 10 from the northern zonte was selected. Upon initiating the survey of markets in rural towns, it was discovered that seven in the coastal, six in the central, antd eight in the northern zone had no public markets and no fish sales. Subsequent visits were not made to these locations. Whether any fish were sold in a particular rural town would be useful information. However, actual market data were collected from only eight rural towns, which might have been insufficient to adequately refleetr marketing trends in the rural areas. Therefore, six rural towns fromi :the coastal

zone, four fromthe central zone, and five from the. northern zone, all known to have public markets, were add d to the

%0

0 Rural towns

FIG. 2.

Municipalities visited during the survey.

survey. Figure 2 shows the geographical distribution of all markets visited after modification of the sample group. Market sample modification resulted in increased data for price trend analysis. Conclusions resulting from price analysis necessarily referred to that population of municipalities where market sales of fish occurred. The scope of inference involving sales data from the modified market sample changed. Trends derived from the modified sample were biased toward greater sales than actually occurred in rural areas. Relative sales according to type of fish or season, however, were more accurately depicted.

* Fourth visit, quarter 4, rainy season: 1974.

May 1-july 31,

Fish were sold in the public markets during the morning hours. An effort was made, therefore, to visit markets early to interview all vendors and make accurate estimates of species sold and quantities on hand.

Information Obtained
All wholesale and retail fish vendors in markets visited. were interviewed. In addition, observations were made on sanitary conditions, preservation methods, and fish quality. Quantities and prices were recorded in kilograms and colones (0)2 per kilogram, respectively. When fish were sold by the unit, dozen, string, or bunch, weights were estimated in kilograms and prices converted to colones per kilogram. When dried fish were encountered, prices and quantities were converted to a live weight basis. A comparison, of weight loss in two species commonly sold in the dried form 3 was made to derive the conversion factor.

Preliminary Visits
During the months of April and May 1973, preliminary visits were conducted to selected markets in San Salvador to familiarize surveyors with the species of fish sold and identify potential problems associated with the survey. Visits to several of the more important fishing communities were also made to learn of fish distribution, marketing procedures, and preservation practices.

Delimitation of Fish Types
In markets of El Salvador, consumers recognized fish by species or general type.. They did not buy fish per se, but rather bought catfish, snapper, shark, or mojarra. They distinguished between freshwater and marine, high and low priced, and fresh and dried fish. Since one important aspect of the study was to learn of the marketing of fish from inland water, freshwater species were assigned to two fish types: freshwater cichlids, including pond cultured species and all close relatives, and fresh2.5 colones -- $1.00. ' Conversion factor = 1.9.

Time of Visits
All markets were visited four times during the year, twice during the rainy and twice during the dry season, to detect seasonal trends. Markets were visited during the following periods: * First visit, quarter 1, rainy season: August 1-October 31, 1973. * Second visit, quarter 2, dry season: November 1, 1973January 31, 1974. * Third visit, quarter 3, dry season: February 1-April 30, 1974.-

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TABLE

1. RETAIL PRICES OF COMMONLY SOLD SOURCES OF ANIMAL PROTEIN AND COST PER KILOGRAM OF EDIBLE PROTEIN, SAN SALVADOR, JANUARY 1974

Price and Sales Trends in Public Markets
Several factors were thought to influence fish marketing in El Salvador. Among these were city size, zone (in rural areas), and season. All sales data were reduced to a per capita basis to compare marketing trends in different locations. Price analyses were limited to markets in which actual data were reported. According to City Size
TOTAL SALES. Total per capita sales according to city size were compared to learn of differences in the consumption of fish in the various sectors of the Salvadoran population. Greater quantities of fish were sold in large and small cities than in rural towns. Based on the original market sample, total annual per capita sales were 1.04 kilograms in the large cities, 1.45 kilograms in the small cities, and 0.41 kilogram in the rural towns. It was assumed that all fish purchased at the retail level in public markets were consumed. Per capita sales from public market sources provided a good estimate of fish consumption in rural areas. In large and small cities, however, fish from other sources were also consumed. Approximately 1,500 metric tons of canned fish (live weight) were imported in 1973 (5). Canned fish were consumed almost exclusively in urban areas because of high price. Fresh and frozen fish, amounting to approximately

Product

Price/unit' Colones

Protein/unit' Grams 132 132

Cost/kg of protein Colones 16.15 10.82

Fish' First class marine-----Second class marine---Beef'

2.10/kg 1.40/kg

Loin ..... -5.30/kg 180 29.22 Round 5.10/kg 180 28.01 Pork' Loin ...... 3.30/kg 162 20.24 Ham ---------------2.90/kg 162 17.56 Poultry--------------. 2.90/kg 140 20.28 Eggs ---------------3.10/doz. 158 19.43 Milk .97/qt. 75 12.94 'Prices of all products except fish were reported in Direccion General de Economia y Planificacion Agropecuaria, Precios comunes de los principales productos pecuarios en la plaza de San Salvador, 15 de Enero de 1974, San Salvador: 1974, 1 p. Fish prices were the average prices determined from second visit interviews in the La Compania market. 2 Protein content elaborated with data from United States Department of Agriculture, Food, The Yearbook of Agriculture, 1959, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1960, pp. 244-248. ' Fish-39 percent refuse (Spanish mackerel) and chicken32 percent refuse, from United States Department of Agriculture, Composition of Foods, Handbook No. 8, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1963, pp. 32, 113. 'Beef and pork sold boneless.

11

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ANNUAL PER CAPITA SALES OF FISH TYPES IN RURAL MARKETS BY ZONE

TABLE

7.

QUARTERLY FISH SALES ACCORDING TO MARKET LOCATION AND SEASON

Type of fish

Pct. of total sales Coastal Cen- North- Coastal Cen- Northern tral Zone tral Zone oneZone ernZone Zone Zone Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg 0.02 .01 0.01 .08 .21 .30 .02 .24 .51 II.80 II'/ 0.01 .37 .38
0 0 2 3 3 2 29 63 100 0 0 0 2 98 100

Per capita sales

Market location Large cities Total Per capita Small cities Total . . Per capita Rural towns Total Per capita All markets Total Per capita
TOTAL SALES

Sales by season Quarter 1 Kg 105,625 .16 59,765 .20 69,810 .13 235,199 .16
IN RURAL

Quarter 2 Kg 146,085 .21 71,382 .23 44,425 .09 261,891 .17
AREAS.

Quarter 3 Kg 214,589 .32 185,891 .44 98,936 .19 449,416 .30

Quarter 4 Kg 236,937 .35 85,617 .23 58,600 .11 381,154 .25

Freshwater cichlids Freshwater others First class marine ......... Second class marine ........ Dried
TOTAL ........ r i~niinc

28 70 100

and dry seasons. Data from each visit were expanded to estimate sales for respective quarters.
TOTAL SALES ALL MARKETS. Based on the modified market sample, the estimated quarterly fish sales in all markets visited were 235,199 kilograms in Quarter 1 (0.15 kilogram per capita), 261,891 kilograms in Quarter 2 (0.17 kilogram per capita), 449,416 kilograms in Quarter 3 (0.30 kilogram per capita), and 381,154 kilograms in Quarter 4 (0.25 kilogram per capita). The quarterly sales data provide limited marketing information when considered individually, but by comparing sales in various quarters a seasonal trend in fish sales can readily be detected.

Within the rural towns

group, total sales according to season were also examined. In the central zone, total per capita sales during Quarter 3 were greater than sales in other quarters. In the coastal and northern zones, however, this response was not detected, Table 8. Fish sales did not increase in coastal and northern zones during Quarter 3 as in cities and rural towns of the central zone. This reflected the inadequate supply of fish at a time when demand for fish increased in all locations. Even though supply was greater during Quarter 3, consumers in the cities absorbed a greater proportion of that supply, thus
limiting the amount available to more distant rural towns. 8.

Per capita sales in Quarter 3 were significantly greater than sales in other quarters. This quarter corresponds to the religious season of Lent. During the weeks preceding Easter, demand for fish increased greatly in El Salvador due to traditional religious custom of eating fish among the predominantly Catholic population (19). In anticipation of the increased demand for fish, the entire system of fish marketing was geared up. Fishing activities along the coast increased, purchases at landing sites became highly competitive among fish vendors, and many retailers in urban markets began to temporarily sell fish. The number of fish vendors encountered during the present study served to substantiate the response of the marketing system to the increased demand for fish. During Quarter 3 visits, 506 fish vendors were encountered. In contrast 290, 336, and 453 vendors were interviewed during visits in quarters 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Following Easter season, fish sales appeared to decrease gradually to a low point at the end of the rainy season. According to Tilic and McCleary (17) the decrease in consumption was due to (1) demand for fish being satisfied during the preceding weeks, (2) poor quality of fresh fish sold due to the extremely hot weather in this period, and (3) diminished supply resulting from reduced fishing during the rainy season. Fish dried during the rainy season were generally of poor quality, another causative factor of reduced consumption.
TOTAL SALES IN CITIES. Total sales in the various city groups were compared according to season. Though a general trend of increased sales during Quarter 3 was detected, variations in seasonal sales within market locations appeared to deviate from the overall pattern. In large cities, sales increases occurring in Quarter 3 appeared to continue through Quarter 4. Though rural sales wei-re greatest during Quarter 3, the gradual decrease to a low in Quarter 1 was not detected, Table 7.

TABLE

QUARTERLY FISHSALES IN RURAL MARKETS ACCORDING TO ZONE AND SEASON

Zone

Quarter 1 Kg 17,928 .10 87,859 .18 .11 69,810 .13

Sales by season Quarter Quarter 2 3 Kg Kg 12,816 .07 25,835 .12 5,773 .05 44,425 .09 12,273 .06 69,390 .34 17,272 .34 98,936 .19

Quarter 4 Kg 12,922 .07 34,373 .17 11,804 .09 58,600 .11

Coastal zone Total Per capita Central zone TotalPer capita Northern zone Total -14,022 Per capita All rural markets Total -----Per capita

PRICES BY TYPE OF FISH. Data were examined on the basis of type of fish and quarter to detect seasonal price trends. A general pattern of increased prices during quarters 2 and 3 was detected, Table 9. These quarters correspond to the period preceding Easter, when demand for fish increased.

Prices for freshwater cichlids and first class marine, the two more expensive fish types, were greater in Quarter 2 than in Quarter 3. Second class marine and dried fish, two of the less expensive types, demanded a higher price during Quarter 3. Freshwater others were most expensive during Quarter 2 but least expensive during Quarter 3.

15

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iiiii lilt

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ill

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1)

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I 51 1111 2()6 Un2WtO it- 1 -

3,33 2-(l

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TABLE 12. PROJWCTION OF THE MARKET DEMAND FOR FISH IN RURAL AREAS IN 1980 AND 1985

Per capita consumption, kilograms 2 ,14 3,0 00 ---.-. -----.-.---.-.--------------.. 0.69 1 973 --. ...-------------------.-. .69 -2,550,000 1980 .69 2,835,000 --1985 --------Year Population Income elasticity of demand for fish in El Salvador was reported to be 0.6. For each 1 percent rise in per capita income, the expenditure for fish will increase by 0.6 percent. In 1973, the average urban consumer spent about 05.85 for fish. As a result of income growth, the consumer will spend an additional 00.26 for fish in 1980 and 00.44 by 1985. Estimated per capita consumption of fish from retail outlets in urban areas was 2.34 kilograms in 1973. Assuming that the average consumer will pay 01.75 per kilogram for additional fish purchased as a result of income growth, 1973 consumption level will increase to 2.49 kilograms by 1980 and to 2.59 kilograms by 1985. Based on these data, market demand for fish in urban areas is projected to be 5,617 metric tons in 1980 and 7,651 metric tons in 1985, Table 11.

Estimated supply, metric tons 879
-1,759

Projected demand, metric tons

Additional need, metric tons 880 1,077

1,956

Urbanization of the population of El Salvador has been mentioned. For most agricultural commodities, urbanization requires a moreefficient system of distribution to move food from production areas to centers of consumption. For fish, urbanization has additional meaning. In 1973, the bulk of fish supply to public markets came from marine sources. Channels of distribution have been established to move the supply from landing sites to major consumption centers. As a result of increased demand that accompanies urbanization, catch from marine sources would be absorbed to a greater degree in the cities. Most fish reaching rural markets passed through distribution centers in cities. The supply situation for rural areas was not ideal in 1973, as indicated by data from the present study, and would not improve as a result of urbanization. Projected demand for fish in the cities will surpass 1973 domestic production by 1980. In view of this increasing demand in cities, the actual supply to rural areas will decrease in upcoming years unless greater fish production is achieved. The situation for rural areas becomes even less favorable when income levels are considered. Prices must necessarily be greater in rural areas than those paid in the cities to attract fish out of urban centers. This would prove an additional burden to rural inhabitants, as this sector has the lowest average incomes.

Demand in Rural Areas
Fish consumption was greater in rural towns of the central zone than in other zones. A major factor limiting consumption in the coastal and northern zones was lack of supply. Expressed demand for fish in the central zone more adequately reflected actual market demand for fish in rural areas. A projection of market demand for fish was calculated, based on actual consumption of fish from public market sources in the central zone in 1973, expected growth in population, and reported trends in migration from rural to urban areas. Possible changes in rural income were not considered in this projection. Market demand for fish in rural areas is projected to be 1,759 metric tons in 1980 and 1,956 in 1985, Table 12.

Means of Increasing Supply
A substantial increase in demand for fish in El Salvador is projected for the near future. Domestic supply has not increased significantly in recent years. Therefore, meeting the growing demand indicates the need for immediate efforts to increase the production of fish in all sectors. Large quantities of inexpensive fish are needed to benefit low income consumers. Means of increasing production of fish from marine sources have been suggested (8,17). Similar development programs may be established to increase harvest from natural inland waters. Natural fish stocks represent a finite resource, and management techniques designed to increase the productivity of these fisheries are extremely limited in scope. Without careful supervision and regulation, the danger of overexploitation is everpresent. Fishculture represents an additional means of increasing future fish supplies in El Salvador. Certain quantities may be produced in cages and pens located in suitable natural waters. To a large extent, however, increased production from inland waters must come through culture of fish in artificial ponds. Fishculture in artificial ponds can make an important contribution to future fish supplies for several reasons. Pondraised fish are preferred over many other types and can be economically produced at competitive prices. Fish can be produced near areas of consumption, thus reducing transportation costs and improving quality.

Projected Needs
In view of the projected market demand for fish it is imperative that production increases in all contributing sectors be achieved. Actual trends in supply indicate that this is not occurring. Total domestic production of fish has remained relatively stable at approximately 5,500 metric tons (see estimates in Appendix). An additional 5,195 metric tons of fish will be required by 1985 to satisfy the increased market demand in El Salvador. It is particularly important that much of the increase in production be comprised of less expensive fish to benefit low income consumers. Projected market demand for fish refers only to quantities which will actually be sold through the marketing system. A significant part of total domestic production in El Salvador is consumed by persons actively engaged in fishing. In 1970, approximately 20 percent of the total fresh fish supply was consumed in fishing centers along the coast (17). While not included in present demand projections, it is important to consider the significant autoconsumption levels of the fishing sector of El Salvador when determining future needs. The present study has attempted to examine fish marketing patterns in El Salvador, with emphasis on rural areas of the country. It is important to consider certain marketing trends and their influence on the future supply of fish to rural areas.

17

When the supply situation in rural areas is considered, fishculture becomes especially important. Production of fish in artificial ponds scattered throughout the countryside would reduce the dependency of rural areas on the cities for fish supplies. In view of the conditions under which many rural Salvadorans live, the provision of increased quantities of inexpensive fish should be considered a worthwhile achievement.

(9)

JENSEN,

G. L., C.

ABREGO

F., AND R. REYNOLDS.

F., J. M. HERNANDEs, R. SALGADO 1978. Inventario y evaluacion de

LITERATURE CITED
(1)
BAYNE, D. R. 1974. Progress Report on Fisheries Development in El Salvador. Research and Development Series No. 7. International Center for Aquaculture. Auburn Univ.

(Ala.) Agr. Exp. Sta., Auburn, Alabama.
(2) EcoNOMICA. 1973. Indicatores economicos y sociales, Enero Diciembre, 1973. San Salvador, El Salvador.
CONSEJO NACIONAL DE PLANIFICACION Y COORDINACION DIRECCION DE DESARROLLO Y CONTROL INDUSTRIAL.

estanques piscicolas en El Salvador, 1970-1972. Servicio Piscicola. Direccion General de Recursos Naturales Renovables. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia. San Salvador, El Salvador. (10) Moss, D. D. 1971. Inland Fisheries Survey Report for El Salvador. Project A.I.D./csd-2270. International Center for Aquaculture. Auburn University. Auburn, Alabama. (11) NATHAN, ROBERT R., ASSOCIATES, INC. 1969. Agricultural Sector Analysis for El Salvador. Summary. Prepared under contract for the Government of El Salvador and the United States Agency for International Development Mission to El Salvador. (12) PRESIDENT'S SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 1967. The World Food Problem, a Report of the President's Science Advisory Committee. Vol. II. The White House. Washington, D.C.
(13)
RODRIGUEZ,

C. A. AND R. C. RUGAMOS.

1971. El Salvador,

(3)

1974.

perfil demografico. Asociacion Demografica Salvadorena. San Salvador, El Salvador.
(14) SERVIClo PISCICOLA. 1973. Manual de piscicultura. Direc-

Industria camaronera

de El Salvador,

datos estadisticos,

1960-1973. Ministerio de Economia. San Salvador, El Salvador.
(4)" DIRECCION GENERAL DE ECONOMIA Y PLANIFICACION AGROPECUARIA. 1973. Informe mensual de las importanciones y

exportaciones de los principales productos pecuarios, Enero

cion General de Recursos Naturales Renovables. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia. San Salvador, El Salvador. (15) STEEL, R. G. D. AND J. H. TORRIE. 1960. Principles and Procedures of Statistics. McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. New York, N.Y.
(16) STREETER, C. P. 1974. Reaching the Developing World's

-Diciembre, 1978. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia. San Salvador, El Salvador. (5) DIRECCION GENERAL DE ESTADISTICA Y CENSos. 1974. Boletin estadistico, II epoca, Octubre--Diciembre, 1973. No. 100. Ministerio de Economia. San Salvador, El Salvador. (6) FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED
NATIONS.

Small Farmers, a Special Report from the Rockefeller Foundation. New York, N.Y. (17) TILIC, I. AND W. MCCLEARY. 1971. Analisis de la comercializacion de pescado para consumo y requisitos para su desarrollo, El Salvador. Proyecto Regional de Desarrollo Pesquero en Centroamerica. Boletin Tecnico. Vol. IV. No.

1963.

Third World Food Survey.

Rome, Italy.

...... 1971. Agricultural Commodity Projections, (7) --1970-1980. CCP 71/20. Vol. II. Rome, Italy. ......1972. Informe sobre los resultados del (8) --proyecto, conclusiones y recommendaciones. Proyecto Regional de Desarrollo Pesquero en Centro America. Rome.

4. CCDP-FAO-PNUD. San Salvador, El Salvador.
(18) UNITED NATIONS. 1975. Statistical Yearbook, 1974. 26th issue. Dept. of Econ. and Soc. Affairs. New York, N.Y. (19) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 1964. The World Food Budget, 1970. Econ. Res. Serv. For. Agr. Econ. Rept. No. 19. Washington, D.C.

COVER PHOTO.

This dried fish vendor at Sensuntepeque is typical of rural town and small city markets.

18

APPENDIX
APPENDIX TABLE 1. ESTIMATED PRODUCTION FROM INLAND WATERS., 1973

APPENDIX TABLE 3. CANNED

FISH

IMPORTS (LIVE WEIGHT),

1973

Type of fish Sardine-- -- -- -- --Anchovy-- - - - - -- - - - -Salm on-- - - -- - - - - -- --Cod Others----------TOTAL ----

Quantity imported, kilograms 1,203,602 4,808 2,148 1,026 362,282 1,---573,866

---------Lakes and reservoir

Source
1

_ -- ___

___

Production, metric tons 497.5

Olom ega ------------G u ija -- -- --- -- - -- -- -Ilopango----------- ---

226.5
118.9 156.7 121.9 1,121.5 .-2----

Coatepeque -----------

5 de Noviembre ------TOTAL -------------

Rivers and lagoons Lempa e San Miguel2-----8.9 Paz d Grande d San21.1ul----------Jiboa ---- -5.5-- -- -- -- -- ------------------Jocotal
TOTAL

2

SOURCE: Direccion General de Estadistica y Censos, Boletin estadistico, II epoca, octubre-diciembre, 1973, No. 100, Ministerio de Economia (San Salvador: 1974), p. 136.

Artificial ponds Total production

3

----------------------------

--------------------------

57.9-----------154.-------------------6--6.8--------9--------1,29-----

Conversion factors: sardine-i.62; salmon-i.52; others-2.0. From Tilic and McCleary, Analisis de la comercializacion de pescado para consumo y requisitos para su desarrollo, El Salvador, Boletin Tecnico. Vol. IV, No. 4, CCDP-FAO-PNUD (San Salvador: 1971), p. 86.

' D. R. BAYNE. 1974. Progress Report on Fisheries Development in El Salvador. Research and Development Series No. 7, International Center for Aquaculture, Auburn Univ. (Ala.) Agr. Exp. Sta. 2M. R. MACHON C. Produccion pesquera de las principales especies commerciales de El Salvador en 1974. Ministerio de Agricultura y Canaderia, San Salvador. pp. 29-43 passim. Only locations with available production data included. I G. JENSEN ET AL. 1973. Inventario y evaluacion de estanques piscicolas en El Salvador, 1970-1972. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia, San Salvador. p. 34.
APPENDIX TABLE 2. MONTHLY IMPORTS ANDEXPORTS OFFRESH AND DRIED FISH (LIVE WEIGHTS), 1973

APPENDIX TABLE

4.

ESTIMATION OF THE TOTAL SUPPLY OF FISH,

1966, 1969, and 1973 Metric tons, by year 1966 1969 1973

,,

m

Source of supply

~T

Domestic production Industrial (human consumption)'2 Marine artisana1 ..

1,618 2,451
-L1283

1,264

2,7451
1,283 4,998 1 190 1,326

Inland waters-TOTAL --------Imports'

5,352 t3
--------776 -------- 1,981

1,481 2,1451 1,283 5,215 1 266

Month

Imports Dried' Fresh

Exports Fresh Dried'

Kg
January ------------

Kg
84,831

Kg
----

Kg
114

Fresh-------Dried ------Canned ---------TOTAL Exports'
--------

1,574
1,841 13 45

--------2,760
-- --- ----- --- --------

1,517
29

February--------March ----------April -----------May ------------June ------------July-----------August ----------September -------October ---------November --December -------TOTAL ---------

230
238 ---------

--------468

------3,053 --1,664 21. 354 992 276 61,705 714 3,706 1,631 368 5,606 1,164 ---12,043 2,93 ---10,091 ---138 1,553 213,049 4,119 7,245 10,155 7,0------- ---73 5,899 1 7,257 103,125 44,651 13,822 266,384

Fresh ---------- -D ried ------------TOTAL --------Total supply-------1

48 15
63

24
53 6,462

58
6,998

--------7,349
Y CONTROL

DIRECCION DR DESSARROLLO

INDUSTRIAL.,

1974.

Industria camaronera de El Salvador, datos estadisticos, 19601973, Ministerie de Economia. San Salvador. p. 1.
2TILIC,

I. AND W. MCCLEARY.

1971. Analisis de la commercial-

SOURCE: Direccion General de Economia y Planificacion Agropecuaria, Informes mensuales de las importaciones y exportaciones de los productos pecuarios, Ministerio de Agricultra y Ganaderia. (San Salvador: 1973). 'Conversion factor = 1.9. 1

izacion de pescado para consumo y requisitos para su desarrollo, El Salvador, Boletin Tecnico, Vol. IV, No. 4, CCDP-FAO-PNUD. San Salvador. p. 73. See above estimate of production from inland waters. 'Estimates for 1966 and 1969 from Tilic and McCleary, Analisis. p. 86. For 1973 estimates, see above.

19

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