Development of a prototype of low-tech, space efficient soilless cultivation (aquaponics) for refugee camps in Jordan

Swiss partners

• ZHAW: Zala Schmautz (main applicant), Ranka Junge, Linda Tschirren, Fridolin Tschudi

Partners in the MENA region

• National Agricultural Research Center NARC, Jordanie: Luna Al-Hadidi (main applicant), Amer Sweity

• National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension NCARE, Jordanie: Igab Ahmad Igab Alawamlah

Presentation of the project

The primary objective of this project is to advance the frontier agriculture in Jordan, by incorporating innovative practices within the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus (WEFE Nexus). This involves focusing on food security, job creation, skill development, and environmental resource management to drive positive change.
Frontier agriculture comprises a range of innovative and climate-smart and water-saving technologies like hydroponics, bioponics, and aquaponics, which hold immense potential for both rural and urban settings.

Presently, global malnutrition impacts around 2 billion people, leading to micronutrient deficiencies and obesity issues.

Vertical soilless cultivation in constrained urban spaces, like walls and rooftops,  is versatile, as it spans from low- to high-tech solutions. Aquaponics, which combines fish and crop growth, is an integrated approach that holds the potential to maximize productivity on the same spatial footprint, avoiding the negative ecological impact of conventional aquaculture or crop farming. The environmental sustainability of aquaponics is well-established, however, its economic feasibility depends on a plethora of factors, including climatic conditions, inputs (materials, fish feed, fertilizer, plant protection, water, energy) and all associated costs.   
Jordan is one of the world’s driest countries. It hosts millions of refugees following the civil war in Syria. In this arid context soilless cultivation methods emerge as a promising avenue for food production, as they provide nutrient-rich food and create income opportunities. The project's long-term vision aligns with the empowerment of women, refugees and other vulnerable groups through hands-on training, demonstrating the potential of "-ponics" to drive positive change in their lives.

The ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains and emphasized the need for localized agro-food systems.

The project focuses on capacity building for soilless technologies (aquaponics, hydroponics, bioponics) through a community of practice, interdisciplinary research, and targeted skill development for vulnerable groups. Prioritizing frontier agriculture in Jordan, can enhance food security, reduce the pressure on the WEFE Nexus, generate income and profitable businesses, and decrease inequality, becomes a step toward building overall resilience.