Water Governance Institute Aquaponics System

Product Description

The Water Governance Institute’s aquaponics system contains a grow-bed for crops suspended over an aquaculture tank. The two components create a symbiotic environment where the nutrient-rich water produced by the fish is used to irrigate the crops, and the water draining into the tank is cleaned by the plants.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The Water Governance Institute

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product is built by the consumer with help from the Water Governance Institute.

Intellectural Property Type

Open Source

User Provision Model

The product is distributed by the Water Governance Institute to families in need in Uganda.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

The product contains a grow-bed and a fish tank. The grow-bed is a 10-15 cm deep tray filled with a growing medium such as husks or loamy soil. Crops such as sweet pepper or tomato can be grown in the tray. The fish tank is filled with water that can hold fish such as tilapia. The fish tank can be sized at 1000 L, 9200 L, or 75,000 L to hold a maximum of 200, 1200, or 7500 fish. There is a spigot at the bottom of the tank that allows the user to drain water from the tank to water the crops. The grow-bed has a water-permeable bottom that allows wastewater from the crops to drip back into the fish tank. Additional water must be added to the system regularly to replace water lost through evaporation and crop transpiration.

Technical Support

Provided by the Water Governance Institute.

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The designers aim to increase crop and fish production in communities that have the aquaponics system, leading to better nutrition and additional household income.

Vetted Performance Status

A case study conducted by the International Water Resources Association determined the aquaculture systems deployed in Uganda led to an increase in crop and fish productivity per unit area.

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

If electricity is available, sensors, water pumps, and aerators can be added to the system.

Academic Research and References

Mugisha, B. H., 2018, Promoting commercial aquaponics farming among smallholder households/farms for water-use efficiency, food security and livelihood improvements, Smart Water Management Case Study Report.

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

Water Governance Institute youtube page and twitter account