AquaHarvest Farms (Pty) Ltd Business Plan › Section 15 › Social & Environmental Impact

15.1 Employment Creation

AquaHarvest will create 61 direct permanent jobs by Year 5, with an estimated additional 120–180 indirect jobs in the supply chain (feed suppliers, transport, packaging, retail). The majority of direct employees (85%+) will be recruited from the Bela-Bela and surrounding Waterberg District communities, contributing to local economic development and poverty reduction.

15.2 Food Security Contribution

At full production capacity (600 tonnes p.a.), AquaHarvest will supply sufficient protein to meet the annual fish consumption requirements of approximately 50,000–60,000 South African households, contributing meaningfully to national food security objectives.

15.3 Environmental Sustainability

• Water Efficiency: RAS technology reduces freshwater consumption by 90% compared to conventional pond aquaculture

• Carbon Footprint: Fish production generates 1–3 kg CO₂ per kg of protein versus 15–30 kg CO₂ for beef; solar PV further reduces operational carbon intensity

• Waste Minimisation: Fish processing by-products (30–35% of whole fish weight) will be sold to fishmeal and pet food manufacturers, achieving near-zero waste

• Biodiversity Protection: Closed-system aquaculture prevents genetic contamination of wild tilapia populations

15.4 Community Development Initiatives

• School Nutrition Programme: Partnership with the Limpopo Department of Education to supply affordable tilapia to 10+ rural schools

• Community Fish Ponds: Technical and material support for 5 community-managed fish ponds, providing subsistence protein and income

• Bursary Programme: Annual bursaries for 3–5 local students pursuing agricultural science or aquaculture studies

This document contains proprietary and confidential information. Distribution without written consent is prohibited.