Hydroponic Crop Cultivation (HCC) for Food Security in Small Island Developing States

Abstract

The Atlantic hurricane season brings devastation to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) each year. SIDS, as designated by the United Nations, are developing countries with specific vulnerabilities due to their small size and susceptibility to environmental disasters [1]. These disasters have led to episodic food insecurity and disruption of agricultural livelihoods. In order to address this problem, a 3-Cavaliers research group at the University of Virginia partnered with Babylon Micro-Farms (BMF), a company in Charlottesville, VA, to develop a hydroponic crop cultivation (HCC) system for use in the Caribbean as a test case for SIDS. Hydroponics refers to the cultivation of plants through a nutrient rich solution without the need for soil. The research team worked with previous Capstone teams to develop and test a low-cost HCC system in the island of Dominica after Hurricane Maria. The current Capstone project aims to enhance this design by strengthening its resilience to storms and hurricanes. The resulting hydroponics system design for SIDS has four main parts: the plant growth unit, the nutrient water system, the solar power unit, and the structure. The plant growth unit is made up of PVC pipes that are on a top base and covered by an agricultural fabric to protect from insects. This base is angled to initiate the gravitational flow of the nutrient enriched water that is pumped in by the system. The solar power unit provides power to the system of pumps that move the water and nutrients throughout the system. The plant growth unit is supported by a collapsible wooden frame to reduce wind loading on the structure. Once the structure is collapsed, a durable plastic cover can be pulled over the unit to further protect the plants from wind. Both the plant growth unit and the base of the structure are designed to be easily transportable so users can safely store the unit inside during intense storms.Ultimately, we will create blueprints of the structure and design plans for a prototype that will be used and monitored in Abaco, Bahamas. We will also deliver a conditional recommendation on which crops to grow with respect to five specific criteria: harvest period, yield, seed price, market price, and nutritional value. This will allow the farmer to determine his particular crop species based on his own unique goals for hydroponic farming.