Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has landed a €117,000 grant from the European Union to construct an innovative solar-powered aquaponics system.
The project seeks to merge fish farming with vegetable and maize cultivation using solar energy, promising a breakthrough in Nigeria’s food production.
This pilot initiative is poised to revolutionise urban farming by offering a sustainable paradigm for the efficient production of food with minimal environmental impact.
Solar-powered aquaponics: A new path for urban food production
In aquaponics, fish waste fertilises plants and plants clean the water for the fish. Yabatech will run the system on solar power, eliminating the need for unstable electricity. Environmentally friendly and cost-effective, this method can solve urban food shortages.
“We are excited to develop a solar-powered system that enables sustainable catfish and vegetable production simultaneously,” said a Yabatech spokesperson.
The project, known as AQUACLEC, will also serve as a training site for students, embedding practical technology skills into their curriculum.
Challenges and innovation in solar aquaponics
Despite the thrilling prospects, adopting solar-powered aquaponics is not without challenges. The initial investment in aquaponics infrastructure and solar panels is substantial, and small-scale producers may encounter difficulty obtaining funding.
It is also imperative to possess technical expertise to administer the system effectively; however, this expertise may be scarce.
Additionally, the pervasive adoption of new farming methods may be impeded by social acceptance.
Nevertheless, Yabatech aspires to surmount these obstacles by educating local communities and students and showcasing the project’s success, with the EU’s financial support.
Yabatech’s initiative is distinguished by its pursuit of dual-crop cultivation, which involves the cultivation of catfish in conjunction with maize and vegetables.
This approach is intended to improve the security and diversity of food for urban populations.
This method shows how renewable energy is used in agriculture and how educational institutions help solve Nigerian social issues using technology.
The EU program advances innovation, sustainability, and education to meet urban Africa’s food production demands.