Simplified Agri-Innovation for Sustainable Food Systems in Africa

Climate change, resource constraints, and youth disengagement present urgent challenges to African agriculture. This study introduces and evaluates a low-cost, low-energy aquaponics system co-developed by academia, private sector, and NGOs to enhance climate resilience, nutrition, and livelihoods. Designed for off-grid operation, the system integrates African catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) and Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) within a simplified, gravity-fed configuration requiring minimal technical skills and capital (less than EUR500). Over a 60-day trial, the system maintained optimal water quality (DO ~4 mg/L; pH ~7; NH₄⁺ <0.05 mg/L), produced optimal Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) yield, and achieved African catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) growth from 20 g to 125 g with 90% survival. Water use was 3 L/day, underscoring efficiency for drought-prone areas. The systems’ affordability, scalability, and integration into agricultural education position it as a viable climate-smart innovation for smallholder adoption. Policy integration, local manufacturing, and market linkages could accelerate the role of such agri-innovation in transforming African food systems.