MahuWévi: Oxygenation device for aquaculture

MahuWévi, the solution for aquaculture that sustainably feeds

The MahuWévi is an advanced oxygenation system designed to improve water quality in aquaculture ponds. It operates through micro-injections of pure oxygen delivered several times a day, with each injection lasting 5 to 10 seconds. A pump maintains a continuous water flow to the MahuWévi, where the water becomes enriched with oxygen before being redirected to the pond. This process ensures a high concentration of dissolved oxygen essential for fish health. The device is available in several models: Mini, Pro, and ProMax, with both standard and customized options.

This technology is pre-validated.

9•7

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 9/9; level of use 7/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

provides a scalable and affordable solution, enhancing livelihoods by enabling efficient fish farming with low energy and water costs.

The poor: Positive medium

lowers barriers to entry in aquaculture with a cost-effective and easy-to-operate system, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods.

Under 18: Positive high

empowers young people by offering a simple, low-risk technology that prepares them for employment and responsibility in aquaculture, fostering skills for the future.

Women: Positive medium

offers women an accessible, low-maintenance farming system that enhances economic opportunities and food security, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

ensures stable oxygen levels in water, promoting fish health even under stress from temperature and environmental fluctuations.

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

reduces water and energy usage, thus enhancing resilience against resource scarcity and climate-induced disruptions.

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

minimizes environmental impacts, allowing for a healthier aquatic ecosystem and protecting local biodiversity by reducing harmful nitrogen and phosphorus discharges.

Carbon footprint: Much less carbon released

lowers the carbon footprint of fish farming, contributing to more sustainable aquaculture practices.

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

educes pollution by minimizing waste discharge into water bodies, supporting healthier ecosystems, and reducing the need for costly water treatment.

Soil quality: Improves soil health and fertility

The nutrient-rich water produced by MahuWévi can be repurposed for crop irrigation, enhancing soil quality by providing essential nutrients for farming.

Water use: Much less water used

By cutting water usage by 50%, MahuWévi promotes efficient water management, making aquaculture more sustainable in regions with limited water resources.

Problem

High energy costs of imported oxygenation devices: Traditional oxygenation devices consume a lot of energy, raising production costs and making aquaculture less profitable.
High water requirements in traditional systems: Conventional aquaculture systems require large amounts of water, increasing resource consumption and costs.
Significant environmental discharges: Current aquaculture practices generate nitrogen and phosphorus discharges that can pollute local ecosystems.
Limited technology access for young and non-professional users: Existing systems are often complex to operate, discouraging new producers.

Solution

Reduced oxygenation costs: With its micro-injection of pure oxygen and continuous oxygenation process, the MahuWévi maintains high dissolved oxygen levels while reducing energy consumption, which lowers production costs.
Lower water requirements: This system reduces the need for fresh water by 50%, making production more water-efficient and feasible in areas with limited water availability.
Decreased pollutant discharge: The MahuWévi generates lower nitrogen and phosphorus waste, allowing for more environmentally friendly production. The waste can also be used as fertilizer to enrich soil, creating a beneficial ecological loop.
Ease of use for young and amateur fish farmers: The MahuWévi is simple to operate and doesn’t require advanced technical skills, making it accessible to young farmers, beginners, and small-scale fish farmers. It also supports at-home and peri-urban aquaculture.
Repurposing aquaculture water: Water enriched by aquaculture waste can be reused for crop cultivation, supporting integrated and sustainable production.

Key points to design your project

The MahuWévi oxygenation technology is transforming traditional fish farming practices in sub-Saharan Africa. By ensuring optimal oxygen levels in fish ponds, MahuWévi enables fish to grow in a stable, controlled environment with minimal energy use. This technology provides a scalable solution that adapts to various farming setups, minimizes resource usage, and aligns with Africa's goals for sustainable agricultural development. MahuWévi’s low-cost, energy-efficient oxygenation addresses critical needs in the aquaculture sector, particularly by enhancing fish farmers’ profitability and supporting regional food security.

Integrating MahuWévi into Aquaculture Projects and Programs

Training and Capacity Building: Effective use of MahuWévi requires training fish farmers on core principles, such as:
- Efficient operation of the MahuWévi system, which includes short, daily micro-oxygenation cycles.
- Best practices in feed and water quality management to maintain a balanced pond environment.
- Maintenance procedures for the MahuWévi device to ensure continuous oxygenation and system longevity. Special focus should be given to youth and women farmers, as MahuWévi’s ease of use makes it suitable for all experience levels, empowering them with skills and fostering job creation.
Key Partnerships:
- Partnerships with technology providers, aquaculture specialists, and environmental management agencies are essential for scaling up.
- Collaborations with aquaculture research institutions, certification bodies, and local governments can provide ongoing support, resources, and validation of MahuWévi’s benefits.
- Engaging local fish farming associations and communities will ensure practical knowledge sharing and address context-specific needs in aquaculture.
Water Resource Management:
- MahuWévi is designed for environments with limited water availability, reducing water use by at least 50% compared to traditional systems. An assessment of water sources is still essential to maximize sustainability.
- With reduced nitrogen and phosphorus discharge, MahuWévi minimizes environmental impact, making it ideal for programs prioritizing ecosystem preservation.
Market and Logistics Considerations:
- A market analysis is recommended to understand local demand for fish products, consumer preferences, and pricing dynamics.
- Projects should consider logistics, including road conditions, transportation availability, and storage options to facilitate efficient distribution of fish products.

Cost: $$$ 250 USD

Mini model

10 years

Lifespan

500 USD

Pro Customized

667 USD

ProMax Simple

834 USD

ProMax Customized

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Benin	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Côte d’Ivoire	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Guinea	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Mali	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Niger	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Senegal	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 1: no poverty

improves the profitability and sustainability of fish farming, helps small-scale farmers, especially in peri-urban areas, increase their income, providing economic opportunities for low-income communities.

Goal 2: zero hunger

increases fish production and optimizing resource use, enhances food security, contributing to more reliable and sustainable fish farming practices.

Goal 3: good health and well-being

contribute to better nutrition and food security, supporting overall health and well-being.

Goal 5: gender equality

empowers women and youth, providing them with skills and income-generating opportunities, fostering gender inclusivity in the aquaculture sector.

Goal 6: clean water and sanitation

reduces water consumption by 50%, improving water use efficiency and ensuring cleaner water for fish farming, helping conserve precious water resources.

Setup and Installation
- Place the MahuWévi unit near the fish pond or production tank and connect the water pump as per the device’s instructions.
- Ensure a continuous water flow from the pond into the MahuWévi device, allowing it to circulate water consistently.
Daily Oxygenation Process
- Program the device for multiple micro-injections of pure oxygen throughout the day. Each injection should last between 5 and 10 seconds, depending on the pond size and specific oxygen needs.
- Once activated, the device will enrich the water with oxygen continuously, ensuring high levels of dissolved oxygen for the fish.
Regular Monitoring
- Check oxygen levels periodically to ensure they meet the optimal range for fish health and adjust injection frequency if needed.
- Inspect the device daily to confirm proper functioning and monitor water flow from the MahuWévi back to the pond.
Maintenance
- Clean the MahuWévi unit and pump regularly to prevent any blockage or buildup that may interfere with water flow or oxygenation.
- Refill the oxygen source if required and check for any wear on parts to ensure long-term functionality.
Utilizing Wastewater
- Collect the wastewater discharged from the fish pond, which is nutrient-rich, and use it for crop irrigation if desired. This reuse contributes to sustainable, integrated farming practices.