Mud crab (Scylla serrata Forsskal 1775) value chain analysis in the Khulna region of Bangladesh

A value chain analysis is a detailed description of all the activities and services needed to turn raw product into marketable good for delivery final consumers. The mud crab business considered by most marketing operators be profitable viable due high demand in international market. Despite importance fishery, there no structured facilities Bangladesh. This research aim analyze socioeconomic condition actors, profitability farming, mapping institutional non-institutional barriers, provide better understanding possibility technological interventions chain. Qualitative quantitative data were collected through participatory rural appraisal tools that include 200 individual interviews, 16 focus group discussions, 24 key informant interviews conducted south-west Bangladesh from July December 2019. revealed started with collection (cultivated wild harvest), before sale local vendors, ended exporters several intermediaries. Results noted (±95%) exportable came natural sources, rest (±5%) aquaculture sector. average price (USD/kg) ranged $10.59−14.12 $12.94−19.42 male crabs (grade: XXL), followed $10.00−11.77 $11.77−17.06 female FF1) domestic markets, respectively. these sectors, livelihood stakeholders has remained relatively hard. Multi-pronged approaches, like nursery or increasing farming backyard seed production, possible addition at farm level may help farmers.