TITLE:
Integrating Inland Aquaculture and Aquaponics in King Cetshwayo District Municipality: Enhancing Food Security, Economic Resilience, and Sustainable Practice
AUTHORS:
Precious Khonzile Mthiyane
KEYWORDS:
Aquaponics, Inland Aquaculture
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.15 No.10,
October
15,
2025
ABSTRACT: Aquaponics combines fish farming, hydroponics (growing plants in nutrient-rich water), and microorganisms. The product promotes sustainable growth by growing fish and plants in the same system. Inland aquaculture and aquaponics present promising approaches to strengthen food security, enhance economic resilience, and promote sustainable practices in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality. However, several interrelated challenges must be addressed to realize the full potential of these systems within the local context. A thorough literature review emphasises the need for a more profound investigation into integrating inland aquaculture and aquaponics, particularly in South Africa. By focusing on integrating inland aquaculture and aquaponics, the study aimed to enhance food security, create job opportunities, and promote sustainable practices that can uplift marginalised communities. This paper employed a qualitative approach to collect data to provide a more complex perspective on aquaponics. This study used two collection methods: semi-structured interviews and observations. Four observations were conducted in the establishments involved in aquaculture farming and aquaponics. This paper employed the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) to provide a comprehensive lens that accommodates complex intersections between environmental, social, and economic aspects of different farming methods. Aquaponics has been revealed to be viable and offers a promising strategy for enhancing aquaculture development. It can also stimulate local economic activities by creating jobs in both the aquaculture and agriculture sectors, enhancing community resilience in KCDM.