SOUTH AFRICA – In an effort to fight against youth unemployment and food insecurity, Sappi Southern Africa has launched the Ngodwana Aquaponics project.
This pioneering initiative tackles both issues head-on through a unique combination of aquaculture and hydroponics.
Sappi joined forces with Standard Bank in May 2022, a move that gave birth to this project’s idea.
The project, located in Mpumalanga’s Eland’s Valley was built after careful market research and feasibility studies
According to the company statement, the program is meant to create a community-operated aquaponics farm with youth empowerment at its core, focusing on agriculture as a pathway to opportunity.
But the benefits extend beyond creating jobs – the Ngodwana Aquaponics project aims to enhance local food security by providing a sustainable source of affordable, high-quality protein: locally-farmed Tilapia Rendalli fish.
Launched in September 2023, the project kicked off by training 30 local youths.
The program equipped them not only with the fundamentals of raising fish (aquaculture) but also with the skills to cultivate vegetables and herbs.
To ensure long-term profitability, the project offers a variety of high-end, artisanal products at its farm stall.
These include macadamia pesto, grapefruit marmalade, and piquant peppers, alongside the fish.
The Ngodwana Skills Centre provided expert tutors, empowering them with the expertise to build the farm to high standards.
Minimal licensing requirements further streamlined the process, with only health permits for fish transport and the farm shop needed.
The mastermind behind the farm design is Sappi’s engineer-in-training, Chelaine Maree.
She received expert guidance from Henri Pereira of MyAquaponics, who also delivered the initial training for the youth participants.
Sappi will be managing the project, overseeing design, development, and construction costs, and recruiting local youth.
Standard Bank, meanwhile, plays a crucial role by subsidizing the youth stipends for two years, a commitment extending until November 2024.
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