Page 127 - ITU-T Focus Group Digital Financial Services – Executive Summary

3 Conclusions

Aquaponics is an integrated agricultural system that connects producers to consumers in a cohesive manner
due the short supply chains and to the production of organic food that is fresh and free of pesticides. It can
be a source of economic growth and job opportunities, while at the same time supporting sustainable
agriculture and food supply and reducing the pressure on arable land. GrowUp Box is an aquaponic
demonstration system that represents a model for sustainable food production, as well as engaging children
and communities, thereby contributing to sustainable development and creating smarter and more
sustainable cities worldwide.

As such the aquaponics technique used in GrowUp helps promote soil-less agriculture and can reduce pests
and soil-borne diseases affecting which affect land crops. In countries where land and water supply is limited,
this technique could even be considered a viable option for food production. However, it is noted that the
apparatus required for GrowUp Box can be complicated to build and requires holistic knowledge and regular
maintenance. Additionally, implementing projects similar to GrowUp Box could also require substantial start-
up and labour costs. The GrowUp Box team acknowledges that their aquaponics system are not currently
designed to be a commercially viable farming system. Even if the full production capacity of GrowUp Box was
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utilized, it would take up to eight years to realize a return on investment. While the GrowUp aquaponics
model does eventually aim to generate large scale food production along with revenue, its current activities
are aimed more at enlightening people about sustainable food production. Along with organized tours,
GrowUp Box also hosts events, workshops and lectures to facilitate knowledge on aquaponics with the hope
of promoting sustainable living.

At a technical level, aquaponics is straightforward and has been proven successful around the world at a scale
suitable for education interventions and hobbyists. However, aquaponics as a business is extremely location
specific, with the availability of inputs and the access to a strong market willing to pay premium prices for
locally produced, nutritious vegetables and fish seen as two key drivers for a successful enterprise. Given the
unique sustainable farming model embedded in the concept of aquaponics, its potential should not be
underestimated and urban stakeholders should strive to build aquaponics farms and formulate an overall
plan taking into account all economic, socio-economic, labour and skill aspects. Following the principles of
efficient resource use to increase the provision of goods and services from agriculture in a sustainable way,
the synergistic effects of integrating separate food production systems reduce inputs, pollution and waste,
while increasing efficiency, earning potential and sustainability. As one of these efficient and integrated
techniques, aquaponics will support economic development and enhance food security and nutrition and will
become one small piece of our collective global challenge.

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26 GrowUp Box Project

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