Why Vertical Farming?
Vertical farming in
Nigeria is rapidly gaining serious attention due to several factors that make
it an appealing alternative in agricultural practice in Nigeria.
This is because insecurity
has dominated our local communities and farmlands which has led the country to serious
food insecurity and thereby causing hunger in the entire country. It is high
time we start adopting the alternative farming system to proffer solutions to
these hunger menace.
This is why Adamss
blog is bringing these 7 concrete reasons why you should practice vertical
farming within your houses or urban city thereby improving food security in
Nigeria.
Vertical Farm at Home |
7 Factors to Consider To Encourage Vertical Farming
in Nigeria!
The factors below
will make vertical farming a promising approach to addressing some of the
agricultural challenges faced by Nigeria.
1. Urbanization and Land
Scarcity:
Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to a reduction in available
arable land, particularly in urban areas. Vertical farming allows food
production in urban settings, utilizing less space by growing crops in stacked
layers, ideal in densely populated cities.
2. Climate and Environmental
Challenges: unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and soil degradation often
affect Nigeria's agriculture. Vertical farming offers a controlled environment
where factors such as temperature, humidity, and light are regulated, reducing
dependency on traditional farming methods that are vulnerable to climate
change.
Green House Vertical Farming |
3. Food Security: With a growing population,
food security is a pressing concern in Nigeria. Vertical farming can help sustainably
increase food production, providing fresh produce year-round, which can reduce
the country's reliance on food imports and enhance local food supply.
4. Water Efficiency: Traditional farming in
Nigeria can be water-intensive, which is problematic given the water scarcity
issues in some regions. Vertical farming uses up to 90% less water than
conventional agriculture, making it a more sustainable option for food
production in areas with limited water resources.
5. Economic Opportunities: Vertical farming can
create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria by encouraging investment
in agricultural technology and infrastructure. It also provides opportunities
for small-scale farmers to adopt innovative farming techniques, increasing
productivity and income.
Spinach Vertical Farm |
6. Reduction in Post-Harvest
Losses:
In Nigeria, a significant amount of food is lost after harvest due to
inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure. Vertical farming, often
located close to urban markets, can reduce the time and distance between
production and consumption, minimizing post-harvest losses.
7. Technological Advancement: The adoption of vertical farming aligns with the global trend towards smart agriculture. It provides an avenue for Nigeria to integrate technology into its agricultural practices, improving efficiency and crop yields while fostering innovation in the agricultural sector.
Modern Farming System |