byspokes.org

 

Community implementation of aquaponic systems                      Project time: 1st February – May 10th

We constructed six aquaponic systems in collaboration with Oxfam Italia in the Bedouin community of Aqbat Jaber, Jericho, with the following objectives:

• • To investigate whether aquaponic systems are appropriate methods of sustainable, alternative food production in communitites at risk of cirsis.
• • Assess the potential socioeconomic contribution of aquaponic systems in domestic settings.
• • Train participants to be proficient in managing aquaponic systems.
• • Further our investigation into plant performance in traditional and aquaponic farming systems.

The goal was to construct six domestic scale aquaponic systems in different households, and deliver training to the women who would be responsible for their operation.

Workshop and activities calendar

04 February: Commenced construction of aquaponic systems
07 February: workshops 1 and 2 (Introduction to aquaponics; system construction)
13 February: Workshops 3 and 5 (water quality part 1; about fish)
14 February: Workshop 4 (water quality part 2; Start full water testing and pH monitoring)
15 February: Commenced cycling systems
21 February: Workshops 6 and 7 (fish management; plant management)
22 February: Brought fish batch 1 (carp)
29 February: Workshop 8 (fish health)
05 March: Brought fish batch 2 (tilapia)
06 March: Workshop 9 (system operation and maintenance)
13 March: Workshop 10 (plant health)
20 March: Workshops 11 and 12 (fish food; system design)
24 April: Brought fish batch 3 (tilapia)
1 May: Brought fish batch 4 (carp)
10 May: workshop 13 (fresh fish skills; final recap.)

We are happy that all beneficiaries have started to harvest and eat vegetable crops from their aquaponic
systems like – radishes, parsley, lettuces, chard, rocket and spinach. Other examples of vegetables that they are growing include: onions, mint, potatos, papaya, molokhia, tomatoes, sweet pepper, chilli pepper, corn and peas.

.