Food insecurity continues to challenge communities across the United States, particularly in underserved areas. According to the USDA, more than 33.8 million people in the U.S. lived in food-insecure households in 2022, including nearly 9 million children. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has partnered with Watson Chapel Junior High School to introduce aquaponics as a practical and educational solution.
Aquaponics is a soil-free food production system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. In this system, waste from the fish becomes natural fertilizer for the plants, and in return, the plants help purify the water for the fish — creating a self-sustaining cycle that conserves water and eliminates synthetic fertilizers.
Dr. Karleah Harris, associate professor in UAPB’s Department of Human Sciences, emphasizes that aquaponics is particularly suited for urban and school environments, where space and soil quality can be limiting. “Aquaponics systems are convenient solutions for schools or households because they can be set up and maintained indoors,” she said.
With the guidance of Dr. Harris and Extension fish health specialist Kailash Bohara, middle school students are now raising channel catfish and growing crops such as onions, beets, spearmint, strawberries, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. The interactive experience allows students to study ecosystem dynamics, nutrient cycles, and resource efficiency — essential concepts in both environmental science and sustainable agriculture.
The global aquaponics market is projected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 12%, according to Grand View Research. The rapid growth is driven by increased awareness of food security, urban farming innovations, and a shift toward climate-resilient agriculture.
For the students of Watson Chapel Junior High School, aquaponics has become more than just a science project. “Watching the fish grow over time has become a part of the school’s culture,” said teacher ShaLa Jordan. Science educator Deaquanita Lancelin echoed this sentiment, noting how the system helps students connect theoretical science with real-world sustainability challenges.
Beyond science, aquaponics encourages young people to think critically about their environment and their role in shaping food systems. Jordyn Ellison, a student involved in the project, shared how the experience helped him understand interdependence in ecosystems. Other students expressed excitement in feeding fish and monitoring plant growth, revealing how engaging and empowering this method can be for future farmers, agronomists, and agricultural engineers.
UAPB undergraduate student Oluwademilade Ogunbade summarized the value of the project: “This hands-on system teaches not just biology and sustainability, but also inspires critical thinking about how we can innovate food production in the face of growing global challenges.”
As climate change, population growth, and urbanization continue to stress traditional agriculture, the importance of resilient, efficient food systems like aquaponics becomes ever more apparent. The UAPB initiative showcases how collaborative education, scientific innovation, and community outreach can provide meaningful solutions to food insecurity.
Aquaponics offers a powerful model for sustainable agriculture, education, and community empowerment. Through its work with Watson Chapel Junior High School, UAPB demonstrates that small-scale, science-driven systems can yield big impacts — not just in fresh produce, but in cultivating the next generation of food system innovators. Investing in projects like this will be key to building food-secure, environmentally conscious communities.
