Empowering Mariental: AquaNam's Impact on Community Development

In the heart of Namibia, where challenges like high unemployment, food insecurity, and substandard living conditions persist, there emerges a beacon of hope – AquaNam. As Impact Tank, our commitment to addressing societal issues has found a powerful ally in aquaponics, a revolutionary food production system.

Aquanam's venture is not just about fish and hydroponics; it's about transforming lives in Mariental. While aquaponics is a proven and stable technology worldwide, it remains virtually unknown in informal communities in Namibia. The AquaNam venture stands at the intersection of innovation and community development, poised to create a ripple effect of positive change.

AquaNam's Success

AquaNam's success story is marked by the achievements of its demonstration farm. From January 2023 to June 2023, the farm not only tested various business models but also achieved a remarkable 4000 unit sales through five harvest cycles. These tangible successes highlight the potential of AquaNam's farming technology and its ability to thrive in the local context.

The demonstration farm also secured a crucial anchor client within the region, further solidifying AquaNam's presence and success in Mariental. These milestones underscore not just the viability of the aquaponics system but also AquaNam's adeptness in deploying these innovations within the community.

Climate-Smart Farming in a Box Program: Bridging the Employment Gap

One of AquaNam's pivotal initiatives is the Climate-Smart Farming in a Box Program. In July of 2023 the program focused on empowering 26 participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. This initiative not only created employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth and women aged 18-25 but also delivered a comprehensive package, including a skills training center, a demonstration aquaponics and hydroponics farm, and an entrepreneurship program.

The project's specific goals included increasing employment, developing local skills, enhancing food security, and improving the standard of living and wages. AquaNam envisions not only reducing unemployment but also creating a flagship project that showcases innovative methods to address societal challenges.

Looking Forward: Another Cohort Underway

Looking ahead, AquaNam is excited to announce that another cohort in Mariental is already underway. Stay tuned for updates on our website, www.impacttank.org.na, and follow us on social media as we continue to sow the seeds of change in Mariental.

The next cohort is an opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative power of aquaponics and our commitment to building a sustainable and empowered community. Together, let's cultivate change and make a lasting impact on Mariental's future.