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LIVING LABS
The PrAEctiCe Living Labs are action-oriented sites in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, that use aquaculture systems to optimize water, energy, and nutrient use for sustainable food production.
Living
Lab 1
Aquaculture and intercropping
(Kisumu, Kenya)
Located at Lake Victoria, builds upon the existing VicInAqua demonstration site renewed within the PrAEctiCe project as a living bioeconomy lab. It focuses on developing a sustainable integrated aqua-agriculture system using innovative technologies . At this site in Kisumu, two key systems have been established: a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for domestic wastewater treatment and grow-out fish ponds that utilize the MBR permeate. The construction of the MBR prioritized locally sourced equipment, with active involvement from local partners and students throughout the process.To support data collection and decision-making, various sensors have been installed to monitor critical water and soil parameters, feeding into the Decision Support Tool (DST). A semi-autonomous photovoltaic (PV) system has been implemented to supply power to the entire Living Lab, addressing socio-economic challenges in the East African region. Living Lab 1 further integrates organic fish feed production using Black Soldier Fly and promotes vegetable intercropping with aquaculture, enhancing land use efficiency and climate resilience. This holistic approach seeks to overcome technological and socio-economic barriers, ultimately contributing to food security, economic growth, and regulatory compliance.
Living
Lab 2
Living
Lab 1
Aquaculture and hydroponics
(Kajjansi, Uganda)
Located in Kajjansi, is centered around a newly constructed aquaponic system designed for circular water and nutrient management. This system integrates multiple techniques, including deep-water culture (DWC), media bed systems, and nutrient film technique (NFT), to enhance efficiency and sustainability. A low-cost sensor system has been implemented to ensure optimal water quality and nutrient balance, supporting data-driven decision-making. Validation of the PrAEctiCe Decision Support Tool (DST) will take place at the Aquaculture Research & Development Centre Kajjansi (ARDC, NARO), where it will be adapted to Ugandan conditions and serve as a training center. By utilizing fish tank effluent for vegetable growth and optimizing water-energy-nutrient resources, the project aims to address key challenges in aquaponics adoption, including the high costs associated with water and energy use. Also, a 10 kW photovoltaic (PV) system with a 10 kWh battery has been installed to enable semi-autonomous operation, improving overall system efficiency and resilience while addressing socio-economic challenges in East Africa.
Living
Lab 3
Fish-poultry integrated systems (Morogoro, Tanzania)
Living Lab 3 has been established as an Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture (IAA) facility that is powered by a 30 kW photovoltaic (PV) system for autonomous operation while addressing socio-economic needs and system resilience. As part of this setup, two 10x20m fish ponds have been constructed, with floating PV panels installed on the water surface. These panels not only enhance electrical efficiency but also help reduce pond eutrophication. The Living Lab incorporates an integrated aquaculture-poultry system, where chicken manure is repurposed as fish feed, and nutrient-rich pond water is used to irrigate a 1,000m² agricultural area dedicated to cash crops. To support data collection and analysis, a weather station has been installed, providing insights into the interactions within the system. Biochar production from agricultural waste is being carried out using local techniques which promotes environmental sustainability by reducing fertilizer use and promoting soil fertility. Validation of the PrAEctiCe Decision Support Tool (DST) will take place in Tanzania, where the integration of fish, poultry, and vegetable production will improve food security and sustainability.
