There is a growing interest in water efficient farming techniques in the MENA region and our office has received several requests to help with design, implementation and training of Aquaponic systems. Specifically there is a project intended to take place at Anafora, a retreat center in the Egyptian desert northwest of Cairo. Its vision is “a hand to lift up every person, the whole person” and is a spiritual community based on respect, acceptance and responsibility. Anafora falls under the jurisdiction of the Egyptian (Coptic) Orthodox Church and have recently expressed interest in ideas and projects that may efficiently utilize their resources of space and manpower for the purpose of creating work and discipleship opportunities as part of achieving their vision.
We have had initial meetings with a local aquaponics operator, Anafora staff and a local developer interested in bringing aquaponics to this site specifically to improve their agricultural processes and water waste in the process. Underground water in the desert near Anafora is naturally brackish and requires desalination for use, hence the desire to improve on processes. Implementation of the project would be led by a skilled local aquaponics operator who has constructed 2 similar systems, one which occupies an area of 75m * 18m.
Completion of the project would provide Anafora with an additional valuable avenue to train and disciple people in the intent of God for redeeming work, by providing spiritual discipleship alongside practical knowledge which would be used to provide revenue. The technical knowledge gained in designing and implementing this system would provide the experience to replicate it for other originations or monasteries. Another prospective advantage for this project is providing an opportunity to study, research, and teach ecotheology and its practical applications. This plays importance in the bigger picture of greening more areas of the desert.
In Additional to the typical EMI Staff prerequisites, candidates for this position must have:
- Previous experience in designing and maintaining aquaponics and/or hydroponics systemd
- Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering preferred
- Knowledge about desalination techniques would be an asset
The followng are essential responsibilities for this position:
- Remote coordination with EMI staff to provide advice and expert opinion on agricultural techniques, appropriate crops, facilities, etc.
- Provide remote guidance for the design and details of the system leading to a set of construction documents for implementation.
- Provide on-site training for the local staff at Anafora including but not limited to: monitoring, maintenance, crop harvesting, etc.
- Optional secondary responsibilities include providing advice on suitable water desalination methods, and suggestions towards sustainable environmental management in desert climates.