The role of middlemen networks and markets in responding to climate variability and extremes in the aquaculture sector in Northern Thailand

This is an incomplete draft submission (one-pager) towards a longer article / publication. The research studies roles, strategies, and networks of middlemen in two areas of Northern Thailand with distinct tilapia culture practices and market organization. In times of climate-related stresses, middlemen draw on networks of relations to maintain supply and stabilize prices. The quality of relationships among middlemen had a significant bearing on both fish farmers and market structure. Middlemen are categorized into organizations, field agents, and private traders. Middlemen attempt to manage fish supply by monitoring production volumes, planning and manipulating harvest schedules, and observing markets