By Dolapo Aina
Greenhouse farming is the unique farm practice of growing crops within sheltered structures covered by a transparent, or partially transparent, material. The main purpose of greenhouses is to provide favourable growing conditions and to protect crops from unfavourable weather and various pests.
In the book titled: “Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation in Tropical Islands” which was published in 2008; greenhouses are described as frames of inflated structure covered with a transparent material in which crops are grown under controlled environment conditions. Greenhouse cultivation as well as other modes of controlled environment cultivation has been evolved basically to create favourable micro-climates, which favours crop production all through the year or part of the year as required. In general, greenhouses and other technologies for controlled environment plant production are associated with the off-season production of vegetables, ornamentals and food crops of high value in cold climate areas where outdoor production is not possible.
Now, according to Dutch greenhouse experts, greenhouse technology from the Netherlands has been setting the international standard for horticulture for over a century. According to Dutch Green House’s website; “The success of greenhouse models makes cultivation of all sorts of fruits, vegetables and flowers possible on a commercial scale. In the past, growers relied on their region’s climate conditions, but with the advancements in greenhouse technology, today’s modern growers can exert complete control over the greenhouse’s internal climate. In the 21st century, technology makes it possible to grow tropical crops, such as tomatoes and peppers, in the cold regions. The other way around, juicy cucumbers and fresh lettuce crops can be cultivated in greenhouses in the deserts and arid lands of other regions.
Doing some research on greenhouses, it is reported that they can range in size from small sheds to industrial-sized buildings and enormous glasshouses. The smallest example is a miniaturised greenhouse known as a cold frame, typically used at home, whereas large commercial greenhouses are high tech production facilities for vegetables. Greenhouse farming has been a part of our growing history globally. But it is acclaimed that rapid and evolving technology and climate change are transforming how and why farmers now grow in greenhouses. Since outside conditions don’t necessarily impact plants or workers, the greenhouse’s protected environment provides a safe and stable condition.
In the country of Rwanda, some African greenhouse farmers can be found. A Nigerian British doctor turned farmer, is one of such greenhouse farmers. Dr Remi Banjoko started visiting Rwanda in 2004 and founded Ndego Farms Ventures several years later. The 22-hectare farm specialising in greenhouse farming was incorporated in December 2022 and operations commenced in August 2023.
Interacting with the doctor turned farmer, I queried him asking why go into the interior parts of Rwanda; Dr Banjoko stated that him and his investors were looking for agricultural land next to a lake at affordable prices and Ndego sector in Kayonza District in Eastern Province was where they found the perfect land for their greenhouse farming venture.
On the question for his decision to do greenhouse farming in Rwanda, the doctor turned farmer simply stated that he commenced farming in Rwanda because of the ease in doing business, security and government support and incentives. And the specialisation on Greenhouse farming because of increased productivity.
As with any field there are challenges and for the doctor turned farmer; “Normal challenges in agriculture, as in any other country, getting a good team together, capital costs and patience.”
On the future of greenhouse farming in Rwanda, the farmer was and is still of the view that due to the size of the country and upcoming government policies, greenhouse farming is going to play a large role in farming in Rwanda.
From my initial research and investigation on the ground in Rwanda, greenhouse farming has a plethora of advantages such as year-round growing, minimised production risks, maximisation of profits, disease and pest prevention increased stability and security, increased production, bountiful harvests. Just to name a few.
The greenhouse farming is the future of agriculture. This is usually the statement cum assertion of African farmers. This fact is undeniable as the statistics and evidence are empirical.
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