Hydroponics classroom

After living in Kenya for many years, I have come to see the difficulties with lack of water and failing crops which, in turn, leads to food insecurity.

Hydroponics (growing crops with up to 90% less water and no soil) is becoming popular worldwide. However, in Kenya coverage seems to be a little patchy to say the least. My aim is to create a space to set up a fully functioning growing area so that young people, women's groups and possibly the disabled, to come along to learn how easy it is to set up their own food supply.

Of course, this would not only allow them to eat much healthier food, it could theoretically provide them with an income stream too.

Eventually, once the growing space is up and running and fully stocked, there will be room to start up an aquaponics system. This system allows for rearing of fish. The fish waste feeds the plants and the roots clean the water to be recycled back to the fish tank. Hence, no fertilizer needed for plants and preservation of available water. This provides much needed protein to a diet that is very basic in a lot of underprivileged households.

I have the space, time and knowledge to set all of this up but lack the funding to see the dream become reality.

Participants in this learning process will also be shown how to use recycled materials to reduce cost and also be given free starter packs should funds raised allow.

There is also an opportunity here to take the knowledge directly into the classroom spawning a network of knowledge through communities.

Old shipping containers can be used to create hydroponic 'farms' but a fully fitted, computer controlled set up is on sale for $68,000! I personally think this is a scandal so I'm willing to give up my space to cut corners.