Signal 3: How the Other Half Grows: African Cities and Urban Farming Innovation
(Click here for part 1, and here for part 2 of my vertical farming series.)
There are many high-tech, modern innovations around vertical farming happening in North America, Europe, and Asia. However, throughout the African continent, where food scarcity affect many countries, government and venture capital support has not been as forthcoming. In the absence of this funding, residents and entrepreneurs — particularly in the East African region — have resulted to their own unique, low-tech methods.
One country taking the lead is Kenya. Start-up company Ukulima Tech (based in Nairobi) has presented multiple products for urban residents looking to maximize their home space for gardening. One includes the Tower Garden (pictured below), a minimalist structure that can be placed virtually anywhere. All of their products are combined with timing sensors, which allow customers to water the crops remotely. This remote access is Internet compatible, which means it can be activated using multiple devices (PCs, smart phones, etc.)
Ukulima Tech is but one example of a native solution to a growing, urbanizing economy outside of the major narrative. Nairobi, and the countless other African cities devising similar innovations need the type of funding that is being granted to American companies like Plenty. With it, they can help address food scarcity throughout the continent.
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