How aquaponics is being used to feed communities

Green Arch Innovations founder Luvo Gugwana is a social entrepreneur whose goal is to spread affordable aquaponic solutions across rural areas in South Africa through his franchise model

- Jyothi Laldas

Green Arch Innovations is committed to developing sustainable and competitive agricultural systems through the uptake of agricultural technology, innovation and climate-adaptive systems, and providing support in the supply chain for rural communities in South Africa.

This is the mission of Green Arch Innovations, according to founder Luvo Gugwana, who hails from the Eastern Cape. 

Gugwana embarked on a journey to revolutionise farming practices through his aquaponics project in 2017, offering sustainable solutions accessible to a broad spectrum of farmers.

While pursuing a degree in medical orthotics and prosthetics at the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Gugwana delved into entrepreneurship and established Green Arch, a company focused on aquaponics concepts. The company’s mission is to introduce environmentally sustainable farming methods capable of meeting the needs of a growing population.

In 2017, he encountered aquaponics and delved into extensive research, realising its distinctive advantages over conventional farming.

THE START OF GREEN ARCH

With backing from Ford, Gugwana developed a concept, firmly believing in the viability of aquaponics as a sustainable farming approach.

Nestled in the Noodsberg community in Ndwedwe, KZN, his first project emerged through a collaborative effort between the international non-profit organisation Enactus and the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of the renowned global automaker.

Gugwana and his team implemented three aquaponic systems for Philani Ngcobo, the project’s beneficiary, who harboured a deepseated passion for agriculture. Despite his enthusiasm, challenges hindered Ngcobo from realising an increase in his crop yield.