Economic viability of a small scale low-cost aquaponic system in South Africa

Aquaponics provides a sustainable means of converting aquaculture effluent to nutrients for growing plant. This unconventional, but synergistic system food production has been documented be economically feasible and sustainable, particularly in areas with limited land water resources availability. study assessed the economic feasibility low-cost small-scale aquaponics using output data. Price trends, cost, revenue, return on investment (ROI), net present value (NPV) 10-year period, internal rate (IRR) profitability analyses were modeled determine financial performance aquaponic system. The result indicated that this operation is not viable (Gross profit: 42%, – 22%, ROI: 8%, NPV: R81,466, IRR: 13% Profitability Index: 0.35) by adopting conventional cultural practice (fish: plant revenue model 59% 41%) due higher operating cost producing kg fish (R55) vis-à-vis market price, compared production. A 42% 58% fish-to-plant ratio was marginally 59%, 13%, 7%, R92,445, 19% 0.50). minimum 30% 70% optimized yield techniques attain economies scale viability, suggested. serves as promoting unconventional security local development South Africa.