The SAHARAPONICS project introduced a low-cost, water-efficient aquaponic system in Sahrawi refugee camps to improve food security and nutrition in arid conditions. Using locally sourced materials and solar power, the system produces fish and crops while reducing water use by up to 90%. Despite increasing daily workload, community feedback highlights benefits in food access, economic opportunities, and empowerment, demonstrating the project's potential for sustainable development in water-scarce, vulnerable communities. This project supports multiple UN SDGs, including clean water and sanitation (Goal 6), zero hunger (Goal 2), good health and well-being (Goal 3), poverty reduction (Goal 1), sustainable cities (Goal 11), and responsible consumption (Goal 12).
This chapter supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable agrifood systems and efficient land-use practices that enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. It also advances SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through its focus on carbon-neutral agriculture and responsible land management to mitigate climate change and protect terrestrial ecosystems.
