Food
This Nigerian farmer is helping curb world hunger by growing crops in the air
The way he’s getting students involved in this is ingenious.
Irene Markianou
10.21.21

Hunger is a very real problem around the globe.

This year, almost 7 million people have died of hunger already.

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Source:
Unsplash

Why do people still die of hunger when there’s more than enough food in the world?

Well, considering that there are places in the world where basic needs like housing and clean, drinkable water are not met, then it doesn’t come as a surprise that food is just not accessible to them.

The food exists – it just doesn’t get to where it needs to be.

Nigerian farmer Samson Ogbole decided to go ahead and cultivate fruit and vegetables in a different way.

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Source:
Unsplash

Ogbole’s farming process revolves around two concepts: soilless farming and aeroponics.

To put it simply – he’s growing food in the air.

Twitter - @Samsonprolific
Source:
Twitter - @Samsonprolific

As Ogbole explained during a TED talk, aeroponics is the future of agriculture because it offers numerous benefits.

For example, it is cheaper than traditional farming because there is no need to hire as many workers since everything is done with a “click.”

TED Archive
Source:
TED Archive

Also, this kind of farming is more environmentally friendly since farmers don’t use pesticides/herbicides.

At the same time, there are no space limitations – planting in the air means you can plant as many layers as you like.

The sky is the limit – literally!

So, the young farmer has been practicing aeroponics for more than five years with impressive results. His work was recently praised on social media this summer when he was featured in a @NigeriaStories tweet.

In the tweet, Ogbole’s farming method was mentioned, and Twitter users had the chance to see pictures of the farmer’s produce.

“Wow.. I will love to visit this farm,” someone wrote.

Another user commented:

“Southern Nigeria needs this initiative to grow crops. This will help in crashing the price and avoiding future food blockades from the North.”

It seems that people are already realizing that this method will change the way people grow food.

And, most importantly, it will help solve some of the issues related to hunger around the world.

Ogbole, apart from cultivating plants, also organizes hands-on seminars which are called “Work and Learn.”

During these seminars, students learn what soilless farming is all about while actively engaging in farming activities.

On his farm, the young Nigerian grows anything from tomatoes to yams and peppers – there are no limitations there.

Pest-free, high-yield, stress-free farming is what aeroponics promises.

And, indeed, Ogbole seems to be enjoying all these benefits thanks to his decision to follow a path only a few have taken.

This might be the future of agriculture, so don’t be surprised if you see your spouse growing plants in the air right in your front yard.

Watch how he accomplishes this amazing feat in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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