Towards sustainable food production systems in Qatar: Assessment of the viability of aquaponics

Abstract

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. Biophysical environments, socio-economic, and political shocks that hamper food production and affect access to food are a treat towards a country's capacity to achieve and maintain food security. Over the past couple of decades, food production at a commercial scale in non-traditional food production environments have been emerging. Among other agricultural systems, the opportunities aquaponics systems present are becoming more apparent. Nonetheless, aquaponics' ability to bring together hydroponics and aquaculture to produce nutritious food has prompted more attention in terms of its economic viability and sustainability. In this paper, we present the reasons why aquaponics might be part of the solution in arid countries with particular focus on the State of Qatar.