Aquaponics for Smallholder Farmers
Farming represents the main and most important economic activity practiced by approximately 65% of the population in developing countries, who rely upon agriculture to provide food for their families. It is becoming more and more important to further explore innovative techniques in the field. Aquaponics presents a new method of sustainable farming that has the potential to solve the high demand resulting from rapid population growth and urbanisation
Aquaponics combines raising fish in tanks with soilless plant culture. In the system, the nutrient rich water from raising fish provides an organic fertilizer for the plants and in return the plants act as a natural water filter, helping to purify the water for the fish. Aquaponics can be used to sustainably rear fish and vegetables for a single family, to feed an entire village or for commercial farming, generating income all year round in any climate. As demand for food rises along with the world’s population, policymakers are looking for innovative methods of increasing crop yields while reducing the negative impacts on the environment.
Passing knowledge to small scale farmers
Exchange of knowledge and information between commercial farmers and small hold farmers (SHF) is crucial in order to support small scale farmers and agricultural advancement, also to develop awareness about the three dimensions of sustainable development; social, economic and environmental. Extension services can help improve livelihoods, by providing vital information, technologies and create access to markets for farmers. Aquaponics presents great opportunity for a diversity of markets due to its scalability, it could be applied as a method of commercial farming and equally well for subsistence farming. Aquaponics simulates the natural symbiotic relationship between fish & plants, which removes issues faced by traditional farmers, such as the need to supplement their soil with fertilizers, that can have long term adverse effects by changing the quality of the soil and leaching into water sources. It is therefore, necessary for the farmers to be equipped with the appropriate knowledge and technology that improves the quantity and quality of produce from SHF. Additionally, this knowledge will contribute towards ensuring that farmers apply the most appropriate techniques for pest and disease control.
Equipment required for start-up
The success of SHF practicing aquaponics in the developing countries relies on the proper use of equipment/ pump installation and land mechanics in the land preparation and the general crop cultivation together with fish keeping. Proper installation reduces waste of water through seepage and leakages, which is important as water is scarce in the arid areas, hence water conservation is very necessary. Another benefit presented by Aquaponics as an innovative farming method, however, is that it is much less technology reliant as compared to traditional farming. The lack of sophisticated machinery required creates more opportunity for small scale farming, making it more affordable and also removing the need for the people involved to possess complicated technical knowledge and skills.
Consistent food supply
In developing countries many families cannot afford the required number of daily meals, which subjectively affects the productivity and development of children. In many occasions governments and international organisations have been required to intervene by providing relief food. However, providing more opportunities in agriculture is a sustainable solution for both these problems – supplying consistent food and work for a number of families.
Market/buy products
The food production in developing countries is yet to expand in order to satisfy the needs of the ever growing urban population and also explore the growing high-end market of developed countries and their demand for luxury products and organically grown produce. Consumers demand of quality products increases exponentially, however, the availability on the market needs to increase as well in order to provide for this demand. Aquaponics presents an opportunity for SHF on these new markets to supply the quality produce required without regards to the season. In arid areas, during the dry seasons food prices go extremely high due to low supply as most farmers depend on rain fed agriculture which does not provide much yield to small scale farming. Introducing Aquaponics to small scale farmers will ensure constant food supply that will also translate to favourable market prices for producers and consumer, as compared to traditional farming whose production is affected by the change in climate. It is therefore important for producers to explore and dare uncommon paths in farming to meet the demands of the consumers.
Conclusion
The growing market in developing countries requires for an adequate solution in order to keep up with the ever increasing demand without fluctuations in price and supply. Aquaponics presents a sustainable way to address these problems, providing an organic and eco-friendly source of food. Its scalability and low technology requirements make it a favourable opportunity to be explored by small holder farmers which would further lead to a positive impact providing food and work for a number of families.
By Jaleel Chege