Accra: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) scientists have unveiled an innovative system designed to enhance food production while mitigating pollution from fish farming wastewater. The integrated aquaculture-agriculture system aims to repurpose nutrient-rich wastewater from fish production as a valuable input for crop cultivation, thereby optimizing the use of scarce water resources and reducing environmental waste.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Seth Agyakwah, Head of Aquaculture at CSIR-WRI, highlighted this groundbreaking initiative during the Institute's 2026 Mid-Year Review held in Accra. The system involves evaluating the nutrient content of wastewater from fish farming and utilizing it to grow crops according to their specific nutrient needs. Trials conducted under this system have yielded promising results, including successful cucumber production, underscoring the potential of this approach to bolster food supplies.
Dr. Agyakwah emphasized the relevance of this technology for fish farmers using various containment methods such as earthen ponds, concrete tanks, reservoirs, and tarpaulin tanks, who often discharge wastewater without realizing its potential for agricultural use. He pointed out that wastewater from one source can be repurposed to generate useful products and serve as an input for another facet of food production, thereby addressing both environmental and health risks associated with the use of contaminated water for irrigation.
The initiative also seeks to assist the Fisheries Commission and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in recognizing the system as a means of immediate food production and environmental pollution reduction. CSIR-WRI has extended the technology's reach by training and transferring skills to youth, women, and men, with support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). However, Dr. Agyakwah noted that access to financing remains a significant obstacle to the commercialization of this technology.
He urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to adopt this integrated system as a model for food production, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. The technology could also function as a climate-smart intervention by enabling farmers to make efficient use of available water and reducing their susceptibility to climate-related disruptions.
In a separate presentation, Dr. Sylvester Afram Boadi, a Research Scientist at CSIR-WRI, advocated for enhanced coordination among institutions responsible for water, energy, food, and environmental planning. He cited the need for cohesive planning to capitalize on opportunities, such as using energy infrastructure to support irrigation and community water needs. Dr. Boadi suggested that the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) could spearhead cross-sectoral planning to ensure that infrastructure projects deliver comprehensive benefits across these sectors.