In South Africa, aquaponics—a combined method of fish farming and soil-free crop growing—is transforming food security in schools, rural villages, and townships. By recycling water between fish tanks and plant beds, this sustainable system sharply reduces water use while creating fresh food and opportunities for young and smallholder farmers.
- Aquaponics combines fish farming and hydroponics, using 90% less water than typical farming.
- Over 7,300 learners in 10 schools participate in hands-on science lessons with aquaponics.
- Women’s cooperatives and youth get new farming opportunities in drought-affected areas.
What happened
INMED South Africa has implemented aquaponics systems that integrate fish tanks with soilless vegetable cultivation to improve food security across various communities. This method recycles water continuously, making it highly efficient—using up to 90% less water than conventional farming. More than 158,000 people, including school learners, smallholder farmers, and cooperative members, benefit directly from the program.
The initiative includes practical education efforts, with over 7,300 students in ten schools learning how to raise fish and grow plants as part of their science curricula. It also supports vulnerable groups, such as women’s cooperatives in drought-impacted regions like Pella in the Northern Cape, where traditional farming struggles due to salty soil and low rainfall.
Why it feels good
Aquaponics offers a refreshing solution to food insecurity by enabling communities to continue growing fresh produce even during water shortages and droughts. Families and learners gain lasting skills that foster independence and economic empowerment through sustainable agriculture. This model integrates technology and nature in a balanced cycle that boosts resilience against climate risks.
Importantly, the approach also attracts younger generations back to farming at a time when the average farmer in South Africa is 62 years old. By making agriculture more accessible and appealing, it helps secure the future of food production. Additionally, partnerships focused on inclusion open doors for women and people with disabilities to engage in farming and build stable livelihoods.
What to enjoy or watch next
The aquaponics project is expanding its reach with support from international bodies like the United Nations Development Programme’s Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator. This expansion aims to roll out school-based systems in more provinces, further integrating education, food security, and sustainable farming in South African communities.
As training hubs grow and graduates establish their own aquaponics enterprises, the network of farms and educational sites is expected to multiply. Watching how these ‘spokes’ evolve into new hubs will be key to tracking long-term impact. The success stories from settings like the Pella Food Garden Cooperative offer inspiring previews of how technology-driven ecology can transform farming under harsh environmental conditions.