OUTAPI AQUAPONICS PROJECT SETUP

The Outapi Aquaponics Project setup took place from the 18th to the 28th of November 2024. This initiative is part of the project’s broader objective to construct and operationalize another demonstration aquaponic system.

The setup was led by Mr. Patrick Hilger, the Project coordinator, in collaboration with Mr. Jean Bouwer, the service constructor. The system was installed at the DAPP Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Outapi. This was the final installation following the successful completion of similar systems at the Arid Eden and Henties Bay UNAM sites.

The primary objective of the trip was to oversee the construction of the demo aquaponic system, provide technical guidance, and monitor the service provider’s performance. Detailed documentation of each step was undertaken to facilitate the development of a future training manual.

Timeline Adjustments and Challenges: Initially, the setup was planned to be completed within 10 days. However, unforeseen delays in material delivery extended the timeline to 12 days. Despite these challenges, the team ensured the project’s successful completion.

Water Quality Management: A critical aspect of the project involved addressing water quality issues. Although the initial plan was to utilize grey water from a canal as agreed upon with DAPP management, the water quality proved unsuitable due to high levels of biological contamination and potential Bilharzia infections. To mitigate this, the team installed a sterilizer at the sump inlet.

The Project Coordinator recommended using purified NamWater for the initial fill-up and reserving canal water for weekly 5% top-ups. Slightly chlorinated NamWater would naturally dechlorinate within a day, making the system ready for inoculation with beneficial bacteria. However, the NamWater flow rate was extremely slow (≤1m³/hour), which delayed the setup of the dam liner and the addition of the required 20m³ of purified water.

Fish Stocking Preparations: The Project Coordinator visited the nearby Epalela Fish Farm to secure fingerlings for the system. However, as the fish were still in the breeding phase, the first harvest of fingerlings is expected by the end of December 2024. Considering the school’s closure during this period, it was recommended to introduce the fingerlings in mid-January 2025.

Next Steps and Handover: The official handover of the aquaponics system is scheduled for the 10th of February 2025. Full responsibility and management of the system will be transferred to the DAPP VTC management. As part of this transition, the management was advised to attach one or two outgoing Level 3 trainees to oversee the system’s operations.

Orientation and Training Provided: To ensure proper management of the system, the following guidelines and tasks were shared with the DAPP VTC management, just to mention a few:

• Nursery care of seedlings
• Transplanting seedlings
• Monitoring plant health in Raft DWC (Deep Water Culture) and gravel beds
• Introducing worms into the gravel media beds

Conclusion: The Outapi Aquaponics Project exemplifies a commitment to tackling food insecurity and promoting climate-smart agricultural initiatives. By integrating aquaponic systems, the project not only addresses food production challenges but also provides hands-on experience and valuable learning material for students. This sustainable approach is a significant step toward equipping communities and future generations with the tools needed for resilience and innovation in agriculture.