HYDROPONICS, AQUAPONICS, AND CONTROLLED-ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE AS INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS FOR FOOD SECURITY

Abstract

 This paper discusses hydroponics and aquaponics, and the controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) as unified approaches to enhance food security through boosting production, resource use, and sustainability.  It employed a mixed-methods experimental design that combined controlled trials and stakeholder interviews.  Quantitative information indicated that hydroponics had the highest production of crops, aquaponics increased protein by raising fish and a higher rate of recycling of nutrients, CEA ensured that crops were produced throughout the year even at higher energy consumption.  Efficiency in the use of water and energy indicated that Hydroponics and aquaponics were significantly superior to conventional agriculture. CEA, in its turn, secured the weather changes.  Qualitative results highlighted the differences in priorities of stakeholders: practitioners were focused on cost-effectiveness and scalability, whereas policymakers focused on the environmental impact and the resilience of the food system.  A combined food security index (FSI) was developed which considers yield, water efficiency, energy efficiency and the way individuals perceive sustainability.  Findings indicated that every system possesses advantages but a hybrid system that smartly incorporates hydroponics, aquaponics and CEA has the most likely of delivering food security in the long run.  This research concludes that integrated agri-technological systems present a complex solution to the world food needs, environmental pressures as well as strengthening climate change resilience.