Hydroponics & Aquaponics: Soilless Farming For Urban Spaces

Introduction:

Hydroponics and Aquaponics for Urban and Peri-Urban Farming equips individuals and communities with the skills to implement soilless cultivation techniques for sustainable food production. This course focuses on designing and managing hydroponic and aquaponic systems, optimizing nutrient solutions, and maximizing yields in limited spaces. Participants will learn to grow fresh produce efficiently and contribute to urban food security. By mastering soilless cultivation, professionals can create productive and eco-friendly urban farms.

Target Audience:

• Urban and peri-urban farmers
• Community gardeners and activists
• Sustainable agriculture enthusiasts
• Entrepreneurs in urban agriculture
• Environmental consultants and NGOs
• Agricultural extension officers
• Educators and trainers
• Architects and urban planners
• Hobbyists and home gardeners
• Food security advocates
• Researchers in urban agriculture
• Students of horticulture and agriculture
• Individuals interested in innovative farming techniques

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of hydroponics and aquaponics.
• Design and set up different types of hydroponic systems.
• Design and set up different types of aquaponic systems.
• Understand the nutrient requirements for hydroponic and aquaponic crops.
• Implement techniques for preparing and managing nutrient solutions.
• Understand the role of water quality management in hydroponics and aquaponics.
• Implement techniques for managing pests and diseases in soilless systems.
• Understand the role of lighting and environmental control in indoor farming.
• Implement techniques for selecting and growing suitable crops in hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
• Understand the role of fish selection and management in aquaponics.
• Develop strategies for optimizing yields and resource efficiency in soilless systems.
• Understand the economic benefits and market opportunities for hydroponic and aquaponic products.
• Develop strategies for promoting and scaling up urban soilless farming.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Soilless Cultivation

• Principles and benefits of hydroponics and aquaponics.
• Understanding the role of soilless systems in urban agriculture.
• Benefits of controlled environment agriculture.
• Historical development and modern applications.

Module 2: Designing Hydroponic Systems

• Types of hydroponic systems: NFT, DWC, ebb and flow, etc.
• Selecting materials and components for hydroponic setups.
• Designing systems for different scales and spaces.
• Optimizing system layout for plant growth.

Module 3: Designing Aquaponic Systems

• Types of aquaponic systems: raft, media bed, nutrient film technique.
• Integrating fish and plant components.
• Designing systems for balanced nutrient cycling.
• Optimizing system design for fish and plant health.

Module 4: Nutrient Requirements for Soilless Crops

• Understanding essential plant nutrients.
• Formulating balanced nutrient solutions.
• Monitoring and adjusting nutrient levels.
• Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies.

Module 5: Nutrient Solution Management

• Techniques for preparing and mixing nutrient solutions.
• Monitoring pH and EC levels.
• Managing nutrient solution temperature and aeration.
• Implementing nutrient solution recycling.

Module 6: Water Quality Management

• Understanding water quality parameters.
• Monitoring and maintaining water quality.
• Implementing filtration and purification methods.
• Addressing water quality issues in aquaponics.

Module 7: Pest and Disease Management

• Implementing integrated pest management in soilless systems.
• Utilizing biological control methods.
• Preventing and managing common pests and diseases.
• Implementing sanitation and hygiene practices.

Module 8: Lighting and Environmental Control

• Understanding the role of light in plant growth.
• Selecting and installing appropriate lighting systems.
• Managing temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
• Utilizing environmental control systems.

Module 9: Crop Selection and Growth

• Selecting suitable crops for hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
• Implementing planting and propagation techniques.
• Managing plant growth and development.
• Harvesting and post-harvest handling.

Module 10: Fish Selection and Management in Aquaponics

• Selecting appropriate fish species for aquaponic systems.
• Managing fish feeding and health.
• Monitoring fish growth and water quality.
• Implementing fish harvesting techniques.

Module 11: Optimizing Yields and Resource Efficiency

• Techniques for maximizing crop yields in soilless systems.
• Optimizing water and nutrient use efficiency.
• Managing energy consumption.
• Implementing sustainable practices.

Module 12: Economics of Hydroponics and Aquaponics

• Analyzing the economic feasibility of soilless systems.
• Evaluating the costs and returns of urban farming.
• Identifying market opportunities for hydroponic and aquaponic products.
• Developing business models for urban agriculture.

Module 13: Promoting and Scaling Up Urban Soilless Farming

• Developing communication and outreach strategies.
• Building community gardens and urban farms.
• Implementing training programs for urban agriculture.
• Scaling up successful soilless farming models.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful Urban Soilless Farming

• Analyzing real-world examples of hydroponic and aquaponic farms.
• Highlighting best practices and innovative techniques.
• Documenting economic and environmental impacts.
• Site visits and farmer testimonials.

Module 15: The Future of Urban Soilless Farming

• Exploring emerging trends and innovations.
• Integrating new technologies and automation.
• Adapting to evolving urban environments.
• Building resilient and sustainable urban food systems.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.