Nigerian college gets US$135,511 EU grant for solar-powered aquaponics project

NIGERIA – Yaba College of Technology has received a €117,000 (US$135,511.2) grant, about N200 million, from the European Union to set up a solar-powered aquaponics system that combines catfish production with vegetable and maize farming.

In a statement on Monday, Adekunle Adams, spokesman for the college, said the funding falls under a project called Integrated Aquaponics System for Sustainable Catfish Production and Dual-Crop Cultivation of Leafy Vegetables and Corn.

The initiative, known as AQUACLEC, is led by Funmilayo Doherty, who also directs the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management at the college.

Doherty explained that the system is designed to “strengthen food security by reducing water use while increasing food output through a mix of aquaculture and crop production.”

The project will receive technical support from the University of Lagos, the University of Turku in Finland, and the University of Lapland.

Adams added, “This model will show how Nigeria can grow fish, maize, and vegetables together while making use of solar energy for long-term impact.”

Aquaponics, which joins aquaculture with plant farming, has been gaining ground across Africa in recent years. Studies show that as of 2021, researchers from 15 African countries had published 82 papers on aquaponics.

Egypt led with 23 publications, followed by South Africa with 20, Kenya with 14, and Nigeria as one of the leading adopters.

Most systems across the continent remain small in size, often built by individuals or with the help of schools and government programs. The common model has been tilapia combined with leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach.

AQUACLEC, however, stands out for using catfish alongside maize and vegetables, all linked to solar power.

Experts note that aquaponics uses up to 90 percent less water than conventional farming methods. This makes it suitable for dry zones and for cities facing water shortages in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa.

Globally, the aquaponics market is valued at about USD 1.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.29 billion by 2030, according to market reports. Africa is expected to play a bigger role in this growth, with Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa seen as key markets.

The growth is driven by rising urbanization, demand for chemical-free produce, and the search for farming methods that save water.

Local materials often give higher benefit-cost ratios compared to imported systems, while new technology such as smart sensors is making these models more efficient.

As governments and non-government groups increase support for pilot projects and training, initiatives like AQUACLEC show how African colleges and their partners can take part in shaping food systems that work in water-scarce environments.

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