2025 ReSAKSS - Aquaponic systems for small-scale farming in Africa: Potentials and Challenges: Prof. Christian Henning

Prof. Christian Henning, Chief Scientist, AKADEMIYA2063

Transcript

1. ReSAKSSANNUAL CONFERENCE Moving the Technology Frontiers in African Agrifood Systems. Aquaponic Systems for Small-Scale Farming in Africa: Potential and Challenges Bernd Ueberschaer1, Christian Henning2 and Johannes Ziesmer1 1 = University of Kiel, 2= Akademiya2063 January 21, 2026
2. Aquaponic a cycle economy system • Aquaponics, a specialized form of IAA, combines fish farming with soilless plant cultivation in a closed- loop system, • Evidence suggests aquaponics can enhance rural livelihoods • Small-scale systems can be economically viable when properly optimized. • International organizations recognize aquaponics as a promising sustainable agricultural technology, particularly suited to resource-poor communities. • Adoption in Africa remains limited, with research concentrated in a few countries and insufficient large-scale evidence on economic, social, and poverty-reduction impacts. • Need for further research and supportive public policy.
3. Case study in Malawi Table 3—Input-Output table for aquaponic system (2x12 m3 fish tanks combined with two 6 m2 plant beds)
4. Case study in Malawi Table 5—Input-Output Table for Barrelponic System (1 barrel, small plant bed)
5. Assessing macroeconomic impacts of scaling-up aquaponics
6. Assessing macroeconomic impacts of scaling-up barrelponics
7. Take away messages
8. Take away messages Aquaponic promising sustainable agricultural technology • The analysis further shows that public credit guarantees for aquaponics are substantially more cost-effective than direct income transfers, requiring 7 to 14 times less public expenditure to achieve equivalent poverty reduction rates. • Nonetheless, macroeconomic simulations underscore that excessive expansion of aquaponics systems may undermine market profitability and erode household-level gains. • Overall, aquaponics demonstrates strong potential to advance food security, income diversification, and resource efficiency in African agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change, water scarcity, and rapid urbanization.
9. Take away messages Aquaponic promising sustainable agricultural technology However, the Malawi case study also illustrates that outcomes depend critically on policy design: ➢ Moderate support (0.5-1 percent of public expenditure) yields large poverty-reduction effects without destabilizing markets. ➢ Small-scale aquaponic systems, especially when integrated with BSF-based feed, are more effective than barrelponics in delivering household income gains. ➢ Effective policies should integrate financial support, technical training, and renewable energy to address barriers such as capital intensity, limited expertise, and unreliable infrastructure. ➢ Market development through regulation, quality standards, certification, and consumer awareness campaigns will be essential to sustain demand and profitability. In conclusion, aquaponics is not a universal solution, but when scaled strategically and embedded in coherent policy frameworks, it can become a transformative agricultural innovation.
10. ReSAKSSANNUAL CONFERENCE Moving the Technology Frontiers in African Agrifood Systems. THANK YOU