Aquaponics
For a successful medical treatment with antiretroviral HIV-drugs a balanced and vitamin-packed nutrition is essential.
This is especially important for the residents of Leka Gape's shelter, which is home for abused and in a lot of cases with the HIV-virus infected woman and children. The aim of the project is the independent supply of the shelter with high quality and healthy food.
This should be established through a sustainable project, which delivers vegetables and fish for healthy nourishment. In this context Aquaponics represents a sustainable means to achieve the desired aim because it combines the growing of fish and vegetables in an effective and sensible way.
Therefore the use of Aquaponics would guarantee a low cost self-support of food for the shelter.
Aquaponics is the integration of aquaculture and hydroponics, whereas aquaculture is the growing of fishes and hydroponics is the growing of vegetables. In the system the nutrient wastes of the fish, algae and excess fish food are used to fertilize hydroponics beds via irrigation water.
The roots of the plants and associated bacteria remove nutrients from the water that otherwise would build up a toxic level in the fish tank. Therefore the beds serve as efficient bio-filters.
The clean water can now be recirculated under pressure back into the fish tank to provide aeration for the fish. Thus a fruitful harvesting of vegetables and fishes is achieved throughout the whole year. F
urthermore the valuable source water is used in a cycle and once the system has been initiated, it uses very little make up water.
In order to realize the project we are dependent on further support and donations. If you would like to receive further information about our Aquaponics project or if you are interested in our work, please do not hesitate to contact us.