Aquaponics as an urban business initiative to alleviate food insecurity and unemployment in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

People are increasing at a rapid rate and more than 50% have relocated to urban areas. This influx of people has elicited urban food insecurity and unemployment. The food industry finds it hard to keep up with the constant demand for sufficient, nutritious food resources for all people. The United Nations is pushing to resolve this matter by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals) to get all people food secure. In the meantime, this study collaborates to mitigate food insecure consequences. Unemployment has exacerbated and has become a peril to social development attributable to a lack of sufficient income. Food insecurity affects risk-related health problems such as hunger, malnutrition, wasting and stunting. Aquaponics is a small business initiative and can range from a small-scale countertop pastime to a large-scale commercial establishment. Aquaponics necessitates two disciplines: aquaculture and hydroponics, growing leafy produce and fish in one operative close-loop system. The study employed qualitative data to acquire in-depth knowledge on the subject. The data indicated that aquaponics is capable of being important drivers of integrated food production systems. Findings suggest aquaponics as a dynamic and rapidly growing field with respondents who are actively experimenting with and adopting new technologies. Commercial aquaponics are effective when produced in favourable climate-controlled settings like greenhouses and tunnels, making use of methods and equipment found in both hydroponics and aquaculture productions. The results highlight the products that can be prioritised to reduce food insecurity in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Results further suggest support for this aquaponic business in order to help reduce unemployment. This survey is one of the few carried out on aquaponics in South Africa and provides information that can better inform policy, research, and training efforts regarding Aquaponics.