Estudo de viabilidade financeira de produção de hortícolas em sistema de aquaponia na zona tampão do Parque Nacional da Gorongosa

Abstract

Aquaponics, or vegetable production, offers an innovative and sustainable solution to improve food security, generate income, and conserve natural resources. In the buffer zone of Gorongosa National Park, this technique can strengthen local communities' resilience, promoting more ecologically and economically viable agriculture. This study aims to evaluate the financial viability of aquaponics, or vegetable production, in Gorongosa National Park over 5 years. Secondary data provided by Miombo Consultores Lda were used to estimate costs, revenues, and project viability indicators. The results showed that the initial investment was 5,272,459.00 MZN, revenues increased gradually over the years, and all indicators revealed financial viability: the NPV was positive (999,188.78 MZN), the IRR of 13% exceeded the MARR (7.25%), the B/C ratio was 1.07, and the PBD was 4.22 years, less than the project's lifespan. These results demonstrate that the project is economically and financially viable, even in scenarios of moderate variation in the MARR. However, a 10% increase in operating costs could compromise viability. Thus, it is concluded that the production of vegetables in an aquaponics system is a viable and sustainable alternative for the communities in the buffer zone of Gorongosa National Park, contributing to the reduction of pressure on natural resources and to local socio-economic development.