Can Aquaponics Be Utilized to Reach Zero Hunger at a Local Level?

Abstract

Meeting the demand for food through sustainable agro-industrial systems has become a concern due to the current state of the planet’s natural resources, population growth, and climate change. To address this, the 2030 Agenda has laid out several strategies to enhance human well-being and protect the planet. This paper focuses on Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The first three targets of this goal are as follows: 2.1, ending hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food; 2.2, ending all forms of malnutrition; and 2.3, doubling the agricultural productivity of small-scale food producers. The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate how aquaponics can positively impact these three targets by guaranteeing food security through the production of high-quality protein. Aquaponic crops are enriched with organic nutrients from the water they grow in. This not only increases their nutrient content but also their bioactive molecule content, making them excellent for fighting hunger and malnutrition. Moreover, these practices can be adjusted to different scales, making them a viable option for small farmers, women, and rural communities to produce their own food. Consequently, aquaponics can play a crucial role in achieving Zero Hunger locally, with appropriate support.