Introduction of Aquaponics and Hydroponics in Support of Effective Use of Water - TCP/JOR/3706

Abstract

In Jordan, water scarcity constrains agricultural production and aquaculture In recent years, the government has introduced a number of plans to address this issue, including the country’s 2050 Vision The water strategy 2016 2025 specifically calls for integrated water resource management, and the country’s economic growth plan 2018 2022 addresses the need to introduce new agricultural technologies for enhancing agricultural efficiency This project was therefore developed to directly address the issue of water scarcity in Jordan through the establishment of various systems i hydroponic, which allows for the cultivation of plants in water without soil, ii) aquaponic which combines fish culture with hydroponics and ( a fish hatchery All of these are examples of integrated agri aquaculture ( farming systems, which have been shown to reduce water scarcity because they require less water than traditional agriculture It is estimated that these systems could increase water efficiency up to seventy percent In addition to fighting water scarcity, they can enhance the livelihoods of farmers and contribute towards Jordan’s fight against climate change, as they are environmentally friendly The design of the project included the establishment of demonstrative hydroponics, aquaponics and fish hatchery systems, as well as a capacity building programme for staff of the Ministry of Agriculture ( to promote the effective use of water through the systems The project design also included theoretical and practical training components to build the capacities of unemployed agricultural engineers, farmers and MoA staff to successfully manage and operate the systems and to provide them with employment opportunities.