ACADEMIA Letters
Availability and Need for Education Materials on
Oklahoman Aquaponics
Jahlin Williams, Langston University
Joshua J Ringer, Langston University
Yonathan Tilahun, Langston University
Tracey Payton Miller, Langston University
Malcolm L McCallum, Langston University
The information needs of aquaponics producers in Oklahoma, U.S.A. were evaluated using
answers to an online survey distributed to multiple online forums and listservs in January –
March 2019. Results indicate that 78% of respondents were male and approximately 80% were
18-60 years old (n = 33). About 76% of respondents used aquaponics as a part- or full-time
occupation. The most common vegetables produced were leafy greens. Tilapia, goldfsh and
Koi were the main fsh raised. Between 53% and 74% of respondents said information about
aquaponics and focused on Oklahoma was lacking. The internet and online sources were the
most important information sources, followed by other unidentifed sources, local producers,
and commercial suppliers. Results suggested that development of extension materials and
programs for the 200 aquaponics producers in Oklahoma is a vital need.
Introduction
The aquaponics industry is a growing sector in the United States and shares many character-
istics of an infant industry in Oklahoma (Williams et al. 2019). Over the past decade we have
observed increased interest in aquaponics; however, successful endurance of these operations
Academia Letters, June 2021
Corresponding Author: Malcolm L McCallum, malcolm.mccallum.tamut@gmail.com
Citation: Williams, J., Ringer, J.J., Tilahun, Y., Payton Miller, T., McCallum, M.L. (2021). Availability and
Need for Education Materials on Oklahoman Aquaponics. Academia Letters, Article 1237.
https://doi.org/10.20935/AL1237.
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©2021 by the authors — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0