Despite global commitments like the UN's 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals – including SDG 2 on ending hunger and improving nutrition – food insecurity continues to affect more than 1 billion people worldwide.
To address this challenge, innovative local solutions are emerging. In Ghana, a new wave of young entrepreneurs is pioneering aquaponics, a sustainable farming method that integrates aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soil-less plant cultivation). This innovative approach addresses food security challenges while promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Glean Aquaponics is a social enterprise project that promotes efficient food production by growing fish, such as catfish and tilapia, alongside vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, using minimal water and space. Its closed-loop system recycles fish waste to nourish plants, conserving resources and reducing environmental impact. To date, the project has reached approximately 2,000 households and provided training for over 500 individuals.
In the Ashanti Region, African Youth Employment Initiatives (AYEI) has developed a solar-powered, aquaponics-based food system to empower rural youth and women. Using locally sourced materials, their raised fishponds recycle fish waste to fertilise nearby vegetable gardens, eliminating the need for chemical inputs. The initiative promotes self-employment and community development through hands-on training in aquaponics construction and maintenance. AYEI has completed seven projects and operates in 10 countries, reaching over 1,000 beneficiaries globally.
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