Launch of AquaNam Marks New Chapter in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Youth Empowerment

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Namibia's agriculture sector through innovative and sustainable farming methods has been launched, marking a new era in climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment. AquaNam, the latest branch of the Impact Tank Group, has brought together stakeholders, farmers, financial partners, and innovators to showcase the country's growing hydroponic and aquaponic farming ecosystems. With the launch of AquaNam, Namibia is poised to become a leader in climate-smart agriculture, addressing pressing issues such as water scarcity and youth unemployment.

Key Takeaways:

• AquaNam is a branch of the Impact Tank Group, established to offer advisory and support services to farmers, hotels, and lodges looking to implement sustainable and efficient farming methods.
• The initiative has grown from a small-scale aquaponic kit producing leafy greens into a two-hectare operation, serving as a training hub to explore technical, environmental, and educational needs of hydroponic and aquaponic farming.
• Three foundational pillars of success for AquaNam are addressing water scarcity, driving agricultural innovation, and creating employment through skills development.
• Namibia faces chronic water shortages and high youth unemployment, making it an ideal location for AquaNam's innovative approach to empower individuals and small businesses.
• Corporate backing has been a key highlight, with Capricorn Group launching a sustainability loan product, one of the country's first sustainability bonds, to support high-impact, small-scale ventures like AquaNam.
• Urban Harvest, a core partner, emphasizes the importance of reshaping agriculture's image among young people by demonstrating its links to technology, innovation, and job creation.
• Farmers interested in seeing the systems in action are invited to visit Urban Harvest's demonstration site at The Village in Eros, Windhoek.

Statistics:

• Up to 90% less water is used in hydroponic farming compared to traditional farming methods.
• Aquaponics combines hydroponics with aquaculture, creating a sustainable, symbiotic environment where fish waste provides nutrients for plants, and plants help filter and purify the water for the fish.
• AquaNam's advisory and support services aim to empower individuals and small businesses in both urban and rural communities with the tools and knowledge to thrive.

Sources:

• No specific sources mentioned in the original text. However, the initiative is attributed to the Impact Tank Group and its partners, including Capricorn Group and Urban Harvest.