An Aquaponic Farm Produces Both Crops And Fish In A Self-Contained System
An Aquaponic Farm Produces Both Crops And Fish In A Self-Contained System.
Ndwewe aquaponic farm continues to thrive
June 9, 2018
example of an aquaponic system created by Durban University of Technology (DUT) students.
The modern-day aquaponic system, which has its roots in South China and Southeast Asia, is rapidly gaining in popularity.
Here on home soil, an aquaponic farm in the rolling hills of Ndwewe, which was established by a group of big-hearted Durban University of Technology (DUT) students back in 2016, continues to thrive.
From subsistence farming in rural areas to large-scale commercial farming in peri-urban areas, as well as vertical and indoor farming by hobbyists to feed neighbors and beautify urban spaces, when it comes to aquaponics, the possibilities are endless.
Situated in the Noodsberg community, the project came about as a partnership between international non-profit organization Enactus and the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of the global automaker.
Recycled drums and organic compost used to grow tomatoes
Every year, Enactus and Ford call on universities and colleges around South Africa to design innovative, student-led projects that address critical community needs.
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Guided by academic advisors and business experts, participating Enactus students develop the kind of perspective and skills that are essential to leadership in an ever-challenging world.
“We can have these innovative concepts and ideas, but without sponsorships, they would never be realized,” said Luvo Gugwana, Enactus DUT President, who has led the KZN aquaponic farming project since its inception two years ago.
Aquaponics in a nutshell
Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants).
This form of agriculture produces both crops and fish in a self-contained system.
The fish waste provides food for the plants, and the plants filter the water for the fish.
Example of the fish tank used for the aquaponic system
Vegetables grown in aquaponic systems are organic and pesticide free and are said to have better flavor and a longer shelf-life than vegetables grown in hydroponic systems or in the soil.
Once they reach a certain age or size, the fish can be sold unprocessed on the informal market, or gutted and gilled and sold on ice to retailers and restaurants.
"Because of low water usage, effective nutrient cycling, and needing little space to operate, aquaponic farms boast a small environmental footprint."
Gugwana and his team set up three aquaponic systems for Philani Ngcobo, the beneficiary of the project, who always had a passion for agriculture, but was beset with challenges which prevented him from realising an increase in his crop yield.
Although start-up costs for an aquaponic system can be high, the running and maintenance costs are relatively low.
“Each of the aquaponic systems is composed of a fish tank and the growing mediums,” explains Gugwana.
“Each fish tank can accommodate at least 300 fish. And we have two types of growing mediums: the one with clay balls, and the other one with floating rough systems. In the one with the clay balls, we grow heavy plants like cabbages. In the floating rough systems we grow lightweight plants like lettuce.”
“In 2017, we did a recycling drive to collect empty two-liter plastic bottles to construct a second greenhouse.
We also use recycled plastic drums, and PVC pipes for vertical farming.
"We use organic compost where we grow tomatoes. And each drum can accommodate more than 80 crops.”
In honor of World Environment Day on 5 June and Youth Month in June, Ford would like to commend the efforts of the Enactus DUT students on their continued success with this project,” says Dudu Nxele, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
“We hope to see their wonderful work replicated in other areas, and the continued upliftment of our communities.”