Fish farm wastewater can boost food security – CSIR
Wastewater from fish farms could be turned into a valuable resource for vegetable production and help address Ghana’s food security challenges, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has said. The technology, known as the Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture System (IAAS), uses nutrient-rich wastewater from fish production to grow crops, enabling farmers to produce fish and … The…
Ghana's food security challenges could be addressed through the utilization of fish farm wastewater as a resource for vegetable production, according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture System (IAAS) technology employs the use of nutrient-rich wastewater from fish production to cultivate crops, thereby minimizing waste and environmental pollution.
Dr Seth Agyakwah, Head of Aquaculture at the WRI, emphasized that wastewater from fish ponds, concrete tanks, reservoirs, and tarpaulin tanks often gets discharged into the environment, despite containing valuable nutrients for crop production. Through IAAS, this wastewater can be converted into a useful agricultural resource, promoting efficient water use.
Researchers have conducted trials demonstrating promising yields, highlighting the system's potential to increase food production while reducing the environmental impact of aquaculture wastewater discharge. The technology aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where waste from one production activity can serve as an input for another.
Dr Agyakwah noted that the approach is particularly significant for Ghana, as it seeks to enhance food security amidst growing pressures on water and other natural resources. However, he cautioned against the use of untreated wastewater for vegetable production, warning that some farmers might use water from potentially contaminated sources, which could introduce harmful substances into the food chain.
Dr Sylvester Afram Boadi, a Research Scientist at CSIR-WRI, emphasized the need for coordinated planning among various stakeholders to tackle the interconnected challenges of water, energy, food, and environmental sectors in Ghana. He stressed the importance of integrated approaches to optimize resource utilization, minimize waste, and promote sustainable food production, while highlighting the role of research and innovation in building resilience and ensuring efficient use of scarce natural resources like water.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
