Reconnecting Rural Native Hawaiian Families to Food through Aquaponics

Abstract

Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Hawai‘i as the vast majority of available and accessible foods are imported. To address this issue, a backyard aquaponics program was implemented from 2010 to 2016 to offer additional avenues to food sovereignty in a rural predominantly Native Hawaiian community. Aquaponics provides a contained and sustainable food production system that models Native Hawaiian principles of land and water stewardship. The purpose of this community-engaged study was to identify the outcomes and resources needed to continue sustaining the backyard aquaponics systems. The researchers began building a relationship with the community by helping to build several aquaponics systems. The researchers and community partner co-developed the interview questions and participants were interviewed in-person. The outcomes of the study revealed multiple benefits of having a backyard aquaponics system, including increased access to vegetables and fruit, improved diet, low maintenance cost, and enhanced family and community connectedness. Participants reported a renewed connection to Native Hawaiian values, especially land stewardship. Challenges included leaks and breakages with the system, overproduction of fish, complications in water temperature, and vulnerability to unpredictable weather. These findings suggest that backyard aquaponics systems have the potential to provide multiple benefits including alleviating barriers related to food security.

The study of life and food systems for Native Hawaiians based on their environment

“…Findings from this study also emphasize the importance of sustaining relationships between kānaka (people, human beings), 'āina, and akua as a way of fostering health of Hawaiians (Chun, 2008;Kūkulu Kumuhana Planning Committee, 2017;McGregor et al, 2003). As demonstrated in Table 2, these findings align with the existing literature that focus on Hawaiian health in addition to food security and food sovereignty in Hawai'i and in other Indigenous communities (Beebe et al, 2020;Delormier et al, 2017;Ho-Lastimosa et al, 2019;Kuhnlein, 2012;Sowerwine et al, 2019). The right to be well and have access to adequate and healthful foods that is respectful of one's culture is a fundamental human right.…”

Sustainable Urban Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of a Coupled Single-Loop Aquaponics System in Nigeria

“…Due to the coupled characteristic of these systems, practitioners are limited to biological control of pest (FAO, 2014). Beebe et al (2020) identified technological challenges among the non-expert participants as controlling pests and bugs; fish management (overpopulation); and water quality (pH and temperature). Maintaining an optimal biomass ratio and the correct feed rate ratio is critical to keep the appropriate nitrate balance of the system.…”

Environmental Justice, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders

“…Backyard aquaponics offers itself as a potential health intervention because of the symbiotic relationships between fish and plants creating a sustainable food production system. Culturally, the system metaphorically reflects the reciprocal caretaking model of the ahupua'a, the traditional Hawaiian land management system (Beebe et al 2020).…”

“…From the WPRH, the Waimānalo Limu Hui was created, which has been working not only on limu restoration, but also the restoration of Pāhonu, a fishpond left by the ancestors of this region. Through projects like these, participants reported a greater sense of community connectedness, land stewardship, and health in their eating habits, all while being able to embrace their cultural heritage and engage in efforts of addressing food insecurity (Beebe et al 2020).…”