Aquaponics is on the rise in kZN, one project at a time
Green Arch Innovations founder Luvo Gugwana is a social entrepreneur whose goal is to spread affordable aquaponic solutions across rural areas in South Africa through his franchise model.
HOW AQUAPONICS IS BEING USED TO FEED COMMUNITIES
Green Arch Innovations is committed to developing sustainable and competitive agricultural systems through the uptake of agricultural technology, innovation and climate-adaptive systems, and providing support in the supply chain for rural communities in South Africa.
This is the mission of Green Arch Innovations, according to founder Luvo Gugwana, who comes from the Eastern Cape.
Gugwana embarked on a journey to revolutionise farming practices through his aquaponics project in 2017, offering sustainable solutions accessible to a broad spectrum of farmers.
While pursuing a degree in medical orthotics and prosthetics at the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, Gugwana delved into entrepreneurship and established Green Arch, a company focused on aquaponic concepts.
The company’s mission is to introduce environmentally sustainable farming methods capable of meeting the needs of a growing population.
In 2017, he encountered aquaponics and delved into extensive research, realising its distinctive advantages over conventional farming.
THE START OF GREEN ARCH
With backing from Ford, Gugwana developed a concept, firmly believing in the viability of aquaponics as a sustainable farming approach.
Nestled in the Noodsberg community in Ndwedwe, KZN, his first project emerged through a collaborative effort between the international non-profit organisation Enactus and the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of the global automaker.
Gugwana and his team implemented three aquaponic systems for Philani Ngcobo, the project’s beneficiary, who harboured a deep-seated passion for agriculture. Despite his enthusiasm, challenges hindered Ngcobo from realising an increase in his crop yield.
Explaining the set-up, Gugwana said that each aquaponic system comprises a fish tank and specific growing mediums.
“These fish tanks can each accommodate a minimum of 300 fish. Two types of growing mediums are utilised: one with clay balls for cultivating robust plants like cabbages, and another with floating raft systems for growing more delicate plants like lettuce.”
While acknowledging that the initial costs for establishing an aquaponic system can be substantial, Gugwana said that the subsequent running and maintenance costs are comparatively low, making this innovative approach to farming both efficient and sustainable.
A large chunk of Gugwana’s funding comes from competitions that he has been successful in, such as Red Bull Amaphiko 2019 Social Entrepreneur, Engen Pitch & Polish 2022, and most recently the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards where he placed third, among others.
Beyond the initial pilot site, the project has expanded to Richards Bay, where Gugwana is based, and a location on the North Coast.
“Since the establishment of these projects there have been inquiries from municipalities for setting up commercial-scale sites, and we will soon be establishing 10 more sites in the Durban Metro area through partnerships.”
Gugwana said their systems grow tilapia and catfish, and produce three varieties of crops, namely tomatoes, bell peppers and three varieties of lettuce: iceberg, green frilly and red frilly.
AQUAPONICS AND ITS BENEFITS
Speaking about what aquaponics is and what it entails, Gugwana said it is a technique that has its place within the wider context of sustainable, intensive agriculture.
“It offers supportive and collaborative methods of vegetable and fish production and can grow substantial amounts of food in locations and situations where soil-based agriculture is difficult or impossible. The sustainability of aquaponics considers the environmental, economic and social dynamics. Economically, these systems have low recurring costs, and the farmer leverages combined returns from both fish and vegetable sales.”
He said Green Arch’s aquaponic model provides an inclusive and sustainable farming practice that the vast majority of farmers can afford to emulate.
“Aquaponics minimises the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, lowering the risk of pollution and minimising the ecological footprint of food production. Furthermore, the system’s recirculating nature cuts water use by 80%. Aquaponics prevents aquaculture effluent from escaping and polluting the watershed, supporting sustainability and reducing the environmental strain,” he said.
According to Gugwana, aquaponics is most appropriate in areas where conventional agriculture is less feasible, and in areas where water is scarce and there is poor soil fertility.
“Areas with silt soil, arid areas, sandy islands and urban gardens are locations where the adoption of aquaponics systems can be viable. Aquaponics avoids the issues associated with soil compaction, salinisation, pollution and diseases.”
Gugwana said aquaponics is quite adaptable and can be developed with local materials and domestic knowledge to suit local cultural and environmental conditions.
“It will always require a dedicated and interested person, or group of people, to maintain and manage the system. Through this, it builds capacity and empowers unemployed youth with sound business skills as well as knowledge on hybrid agricultural systems.”
He said that in term of the social impact, aquaponics contributes to improved food security, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional agriculture.
“At the same time, aquaponics integrates livelihood strategies to secure food and create income-generating opportunities for households. Domestic production of food, access to markets, and the acquisition of skills are valuable tools for securing the empowerment and emancipation of people in disadvantaged backgrounds, and aquaponics can provide the foundation for fair and sustainable socioeconomic growth.”
“Furthermore, our initiatives are addressing food security and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Aquaponics offers opportunities for community involvement and education, creating local food sources and fostering food sufficiency.”
The concept of the aquaponics franchise model was developed in 2019. Gugwana said that the franchise ownership model empowers people to become entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency within their communities.
He said that the project has impacted more than 10 000 households through the supply of fish and fresh organic vegetables all year round in KZN. “We have also provided training and capacity building for over 200 individuals and collaborated with higher learning institutions to promote industry growth, integrated learning and research.”