Empowering Women in Shaviyani Atoll Maaungoodhoo, Maldives with Hydroponic Technology

Hydroponic technology – the method of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil- is revolutionary for the island of Shaviyani Atoll Maaungoodhoo in the Maldives. Hydroponics is an eco-friendly farming method that offers an innovative solution to the country’s unique geographical and agricultural challenges. This technology addresses the country’s limited arable land, prioritizing space efficiency and water conservation, and reduces dependence on imports, while delivering high-quality yields. It’s not just about growing crops- it’s about growing opportunities for climate resilience and economic empowerment for the community. 

In December 2023 Beyond Imaginative Optimistic Nifty Island Club (BIONIC), with support from our Civil Society Organization Strengthening project, spearheaded an initiative to introduce hydroponics technology to the island. This initiative aims to build skills, enhance food security, and provide alternative income opportunities for local women and youth. 

Building Skills and Opportunities Through Training 

A series of training sessions proved pivotal in providing the Maaungoodhoo community with the knowledge and skills needed to implement hydroponic technology effectively. 

1. Session 1: Focused on the basics of hydroponic farming and sustainable agriculture, empowering 29 women with the tools to see agriculture as a viable and productive endeavor for their families and themselves 
2. Session 2: Introduced 32 students—25 of which were girls—to hands-on eco-friendly farming techniques, fostering early engagement with sustainability principles. 
3. Session 3: Delivered practical training on maintaining and harvesting hydroponic systems, consolidating participants’ skills and reinforcing the value of sustainable practices. 

Stories of Empowerment and Community Impact 

The training’s impact is exemplified by Ms. Hawwa Hana, who established a hydroponic system at home after participating in the project. Her successful harvest not only contributed significantly to her family’s income but also inspired other women in the community to explore hydroponics as a pathway to financial independence and self-reliance. 

Four additional women have since followed in her footsteps, setting up hydroponic systems in their homes and creating a ripple effect of empowerment throughout the community. 

At Maaungoodhoo School, the project’s broader impact came to life during the first harvest from its hydroponic system. The yield—16 kg of lettuce—was sold to local community members for 2,240 MVR, with proceeds reinvested into the school. This achievement showcased hydroponics’ potential to support educational initiatives while bolstering the local economy. Students involved in the harvest expressed pride in their contributions, gaining practical skills that could shape their future careers. 

The Community Unites

The project’s success was amplified by the support of local authorities, including the Maaungoodhoo Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and school management. By engaging diverse segments of the community—from homemakers to students—the initiative fostered collaboration and dialogue around sustainable development. 

Today, as more women in Maaungoodhoo consider starting their hydroponic systems, the project’s impact is clear: it has empowered individuals, introduced innovative agricultural practices, and strengthened the community’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges.