Food insecurity is a significant public health issue that requires immediate attention, Dr. Karleah Harris, associate professor for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Department of Human Sciences, said. To help combat this challenge, UAPB has partnered with Watson Chapel Junior High School to establish an aquaponics system.
"Aquaponics is a system where plants and fish are grown in the same water tanks," Dr. Harris (pictured right)
© University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff said. "The waste from the fish provides essential nutrients to the plants. Aquaponics systems are convenient solutions for schools or households because they can be set up and maintained indoors. Our innovative project engages students, teachers, staff and administrators in hands-on food production, fostering both education and sustainability."
With guidance from Dr. Harris and Kailash Bohara, Extension specialist of fish health, middle school students raise channel catfish and cultivate a variety of crops including onions, beetroot, spearmint, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tabasco peppers, mustard greens, turnip greens and lettuce, all within an indoor aquaponics system. This closed-loop approach not only provides fresh, nutritious food, but also teaches valuable agricultural and environmental science skills.
ShaLa Jordan, a Watson Chapel teacher, said she has been collaborating with the UAPB Department of Human Sciences for almost two years.
"Raising fish and plants has been a great experience for myself and my students who enjoy the opportunity a lot," she said. "Watching the fish grow over time has become a part of the culture at Watson Chapel Junior High School. It has given us something to look forward to."
Deaquanita Lancelin said her 7th grade students have been exploring interactions in ecosystems, while her 6th grade group has been learning about resource consumption and population growth.
"The aquaponics system provided a perfect real-world example to tie these concepts together," she said. "I took my students to see the system first-hand and built an entire lesson around it. They analyzed how the fish, plants and bacteria interact in a self-sustaining environment, reinforcing their understanding of nutrient cycles and sustainable food production. Seeing their excitement and curiosity as they made connections between classroom concepts and a living system was truly rewarding."
Jordyn Ellison, a Watson Chapel Junior High School student, said the aquaponics system helped him understand how different organisms depend on each other. Seeing the fish, plants and water work together made learning about ecosystems more interesting and real.
Robert Henderson, another student said, "My experience with feeding the fish was extremely positive. I learned many things about fish, and their biology. I loved their interactive style of teaching. The plants were also very pleasant and interesting. All in all, it was a great experience."
Oluwademilade Ogunbade, a UAPB undergraduate student said it is fascinating to see how fish and plants can work together in a self-sustaining ecosystem.
"The students were eager to learn how the fish waste nourishes the plants, and in turn, the plants help filter the water for the fish," he said. "This hands-on project not only teaches science and sustainability but also empowers students to explore innovative solutions to food production challenges. I hope this inspires them to think critically about sustainable agriculture and the future of food."
© University of Arkansas at Pine BluffIn an aquaponics system, waste from the system's fish provides essential nutrients to its plants.
Access to sustainable, healthy diets is essential for overall well-being, Dr. Harris said. Learning how to grow and produce nutritious food empowers individuals and communities, reducing reliance on external food sources.
"To address ongoing food insecurity, we must continue to invest in long-term programs that promote food security, sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits," she said. "Additionally, tackling issues such as obesity and poor nutrition is crucial, as unhealthy lifestyles contribute to chronic diseases and other negative health outcomes. By fostering education and innovation in food production, we can build healthier communities and create lasting solutions to food insecurity."
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Source: UAPB News