Train the Trainer Food for Life

Targeted Aquaponic Growth Joins the Mercy Ships Nutritional Agriculture Program in an Effort to Address Malnutrition and Hunger in Madagascar by Introducing Its Systems Technology and Education

Texas-based nonprofit firm Targeted Aquaponic Growth (TAG) has decided to join the Mercy Ships Nutritional Agriculture Program in an effort to address malnutrition and hunger in Madagascar by introducing its systems technology and education.

As part of this joint effort, TAG systems will become a part of Train the Trainer Food for Life projects in Africa -- a capacity-building program of Mercy Ships.

"TAG is very excited about this opportunity to use AP systems to change the nutrition and, therefore, the lives of people in developing nations through our partnership with Mercy Ships," pointed out TAG President and Co-Founder, Damon Arthur.

And he added: "The collaboration of our strengths provides a strong base from which to launch AP system training via the well-established Food for Life program. We expect this partnership to link our resources for the betterment of those in Africa who are at great risk and in need of sustainable food sources."

The AP system uses a recycling process that is continually repeated and uses 95 per cent less water than traditional methods and cuts the germination time in half. This method produces 2-3 times the yield of traditional farming or standard greenhouse operations.

In Madagascar, Mercy Ships and the host partner Centre Fafiala have begun a 21-week course with 30 Malagasy participants from all over the island nation. The training will include a 40-hour TAG course on the installation of sustainable food supply AP systems; education in building, operations and maintenance; and training programs for local personnel.

"The partnership's goal is to teach leaders in agriculture another way to produce food in a complete cycle. Nutrient-rich water from the fish tank is cycled into barrels full of gravel that have vegetables planted in them. The vegetables utilize the nutrients, producing crops from the water. Their roots and the gravel act as a bio-filter, purifying the water that is returned to the fish tank," explained Mercy Ships Agriculture Program Administrator, Ken Winebark.

"It is a great way to provide an organic, balanced diet of vegetables and fish, thereby contributing key nutrients for a healthful diet, thus building a healthy body that is capable of fighting off disease," added Winebark.

Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,600 volunteers -- including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists -- from more than 40 nations.

Source: FIS

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