byspokes.org

Food production in a concrete jungle

We are currently seeking funding to help us construct and demonstrate functional rooftop aquaponic systems. In high density urban areas, such as refugee camps, there is no land available for domestic food production. In addition, many families struggle to pay for their daily food. Although suitably sized domestic aquaponic systems are fairly cheap to construct, and can pay for themselves within a year, the initial investment can prove to be out of reach for many people. Another factor to consider is that aquaponics is an alien concept in the West Bank, and so individuals are not always keen to invest in something so unknown, and thus potentially risky.

We have already identified a number of individuals keen to convert their concrete rooftops into aquaponic food production areas, and we hope to be able to assist them with a match fund of 50% of the system cost in order to facilitate the uptake of urban aquaponics. We feel that assisting individuals to set up their own urban aquaponic systems will have several benefits:

• • Enabling production of fish and vegetables in areas without access to land can help to increase urban sustainability.
• • The shared financial responisbility lessens the burden and risk to the participant, but the investment on thier part gives incentive to see a return by maintaining the system well.
• • If people can see aquaponic systems in action in the community, there is more chance that the idea will be replicated by others.

If you would like to help us build up this match fund and start constructing, please donate today – every little helps!