Mbiko, Uganda Farm Update
We’re delighted to share some heartwarming news from our recent project in Mbiko, Uganda, led by Alyson Wells, the Director of FFC Aquaponic Farm. In collaboration with Hands4Uganda, we are continuing our dedicated work on the 17,000-gallon recirculating aquaculture system at the Rock of Ages School.
This initiative is more than just an aquaponic system; it's a lifeline for the 350 students attending the school and a source of sustenance for the wider community. Our goal is to provide fresh tilapia and an abundance of vegetables to the school, with any surplus produce being sold to support the school's daily operations.
The aquaponic system itself is a marvel, consisting of eight aquaculture tanks divided into two units, each equipped with its radial flow clarifier, mineralization tanks, biofilter, and sump tank. This thoughtfully designed system allows us to efficiently extract nutrient-rich effluent, which is then stored and aerated for use in drip irrigation to grow an impressive variety of field crops, including cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, and skumawiki.
But that's not all – during her trip to Uganda, Alyson met with a solar company, opening up a new chapter in our project. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Jerry Keely, an ardent supporter of Hands4Uganda, we are thrilled to announce that we will be integrating solar energy into our aquaponic system. This groundbreaking move makes our project the first FFC aquaponic system to be powered by clean and sustainable solar energy.
The recent trip was a tremendous success, and it has set the stage for our return in the coming months to complete this life-changing project. Together, we are creating a sustainable food source that will benefit hundreds of children in Mbiko, bringing warmth and hope to their lives.
Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates on our journey to make a positive impact in this community.