Urban Agriculture: Aquaponics & Healthy Earth
Solving Food Deserts
I have a dream—a vision of interconnectedness that transcends borders, cultures, and economic disparities. Imagine urban communities across the United States, especially those grappling with food deserts, forging partnerships with rural communities in Africa and South America. These partnerships wouldn’t revolve around financial aid but the exchange of knowledge, resources, and ideas. Together, they would pioneer solutions like vertical farming, aquaponics, and sustainable agriculture to nourish their people and heal the earth.
The Goal?
To transition away from massive commercial farms driven by profit and monoculture crops and toward smaller, eco-centric farms focused on building healthy communities and ensuring no one goes hungry.
Yes, I am a romantic, but this is one of my dreams. In my mind, I weave stories of transformation. Sometimes I’m a superhero swooping in to save the day; other times, I’m an ambassador of change, fostering collaboration and igniting innovation.
So, you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon a video recommended by YouTube. It showcased something remarkable happening in the city of my birth—Brooklyn, NY.
PBS Terra's video, "How This Aquaponics Farmer Is Reinventing Urban Agriculture," spotlights Oko Farms and their revolutionary work in aquaponics. This isn’t just about farming; it’s about reimagining the way we grow food and care for the earth.
Video: How This Aquaponics Farmer Is Reinventing Urban Agriculture
PBS Terra presents Oko Farms in Brooklyn, NY.
We Can Do This
We can stop overfishing our seas, poisoning our waters with pollutants, and depleting our aquifers with unsustainable practices. We can replace pesticides and chemical fertilizers with regenerative methods that restore the land instead of exhausting it.
The beauty of aquaponics and vertical farming is their ability to thrive in urban and suburban settings. These systems conserve water, eliminate harmful runoffs, and produce fresh, nutritious food right where it’s needed most.
But before we can see a global shift, we must first change hearts and minds. This is the most daunting task of all. The words of Jesus come to mind: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the Kingdom of God.” Why? Because those who have much often cling tightly to the status quo. Change, especially the kind that disrupts power structures, is rarely welcomed by those who benefit most from them.
Still, I believe. I believe in the power of communities to transform themselves. I believe in the resilience of people to work toward a better future when given the tools and opportunities.
This dream isn’t just mine; it’s a call to action for anyone who dares to imagine a world where no one goes hungry, and the earth is treated with the care it deserves.
So, here’s my question to you: Will you dare to dream with me?