As food insecurity and climate challenges persist across sub-Saharan Africa, innovative and sustainable solutions are increasingly vital. In response, Engen, in partnership with Green Arch Innovations Pty Ltd, has launched a climate-smart aquaponics project at Khanyisa Special School in Cala, South Africa. This initiative, officially introduced on February 26, is more than a farming technique — it’s a blueprint for empowering communities, nurturing young minds, and fostering resilience through sustainable agriculture.
Aquaponics is a closed-loop system that integrates aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil). The fish produce nutrient-rich waste, which is converted by bacteria into fertilizer for the plants. The plants, in turn, clean the water for the fish, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming.
According to the FAO, aquaponics is gaining global attention as a scalable solution for food production in water-scarce and land-constrained environments. In South Africa, where approximately 20% of households experience inadequate or severely inadequate food access (Stats SA, 2023), such systems can help bridge the nutritional gap — particularly in schools and rural communities.
Green Arch Innovations, led by entrepreneur Luvo Gugwana, is spearheading this project with a focus on youth education, skills training, and environmental awareness. With Engen’s support, the aquaponics system at Khanyisa Special School not only provides organic, nutrient-rich food, but also incorporates accredited training for both students and teachers. This hands-on approach equips learners with valuable knowledge in sustainable agriculture, helping build a generation of climate-smart agriculturalists.
“This is about more than growing food,” Gugwana explains. “It’s about cultivating self-reliance, innovation, and respect for the environment. We’re planting the seeds of change in both the classroom and the community.”
Olwethu Mdabula, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager at Engen, highlights the wider potential:
“By embedding aquaponics into the school environment, we’re strengthening local food systems, enhancing education, and creating pathways for income generation. This aligns with our commitment to long-term, community-driven development.”
The initiative is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 1 – No Poverty: By teaching self-sufficiency and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship.
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Through reliable, local food production.
- SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: By promoting water-efficient farming practices.
As part of its long-term vision, the project at Khanyisa is set to become a model for replication in other schools and communities across the region. With growing concerns over climate resilience, aquaponics offers a compelling case for resource-efficient agriculture that meets both environmental and educational needs.
The aquaponics project launched by Engen and Green Arch Innovations in Cala is a powerful demonstration of how sustainable technology, education, and community collaboration can work hand-in-hand to address food insecurity and environmental challenges. By integrating aquaponics into school curricula and empowering youth with practical skills, this initiative is cultivating not just crops, but a resilient and sustainable future for South African communities.
