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Short description
Spirulina algae and insects have a high nutrient content and are cost-efficient to grow. The aim of the project is to bring a medium-sized Spirulina and Insect farm to the Ugandan partners.
The problem I aim to solve
The project will focus on the aspect of nutritional supplements. Since the basic food supply can be provided more efficiently through the large-scale cultivation of wheat and the like, algae and insects are primarily intended to serve as highly concentrated sources of micronutrients and shall be mixed into the main food. Therefore, the aim is not to completely replace the existing food supply, but to complement it in a meaningful way.
My solution
The goal of the project is the simultaneous cultivation of algae and the breeding of insects. For this goal, current developments and technologies are to be used in order to achieve the highest possible yield in the shortest possible time in Uganda. First, the basic concept is to be developed in Germany. This includes the correct selection of algae and insects as well as the discussion of the corresponding cultivation conditions (with the help of respective experts at universities). Also, practical questions about the construction of a cultivation system and possible extensions, for example an Aquaponic system (aquaponic systems use a closed nutrient cycle consisting of fish farming and plant breeding) or the cultivation of berries, will be discussed with organisations that already have experience in this field and implemented own projects in Africa (e.g. student initiatives). All in all, a long-term functioning system should develop in which the various cultivated parts (plants, algae, insects,…) form a nutrient cycle and thus also get along for a longer time without the supply of fertilizer or large amounts of water. Obviously, the core of the project is to use the already existing know-how about correct cultivation techniques and dependencies in ecosystems to produce a sustainable source of micronutrients in Uganda.
The innovativeness of my approach
The approach will be highlighted in particular by the use of the latest technologies and research results. On the one hand, when selecting the specific algae and insects for cultivation, care is taken to ensure that the micronutrients required on site are reproduced as accurately as possible. On the other hand, the cultivation and operation of the farm will be strongly based on existing and successful research concepts in order to guarantee a higher and faster yield. Among other things, the use of an Aquaponic system is imaginable.
Technologies and Methods
The project will mainly use proven and newly developed technologies. In order to implement them as easily as possible, one should strive for partnerships with universities or student initiatives such as Enactus, which has already implemented an Aquaponic system in Africa. To ensure initial funding, online crowdfunding campaigns and social media campaigns that provide constant insight into the progress of the project are conceivable.
Potential Partners
German partners:
- Enactus Mannheim e.V., as they already have experience in setting up a low-cost Aquaponic system in Africa
- German universities in order to get access to new research results in the field of Insects, algae and farming methods in African countries.
- Ugandan partners:
- Local companies for organizational support when it comes to building up the farm equipment
- Local food producers to directly add the produced supplements to their food
- Local food and child organizations to promote knowledge and access to nutritious food
Voting ends on June 24, 2018, 11:59 pm (CEST).
| Team: | Sven Opgenorth |