SOUTH AFRICA – In a groundbreaking new study, Landscape Architect and University of Pretoria Lecturer, Karen Botes, reveals the potential of building facades as agricultural spaces, offering a promising solution to urban food challenges.
Botes extensive research into ‘living wall systems’ brings forth a compelling narrative of sustainability, efficiency, and resilience.
“I’m interested in whether living walls with traditional African vegetables could improve local household food production and contribute to dealing with climate change, urban heat islands, and urban microclimates,” she emphasized.
Her study meticulously compared the performance of traditional African vegetable crops within two distinct living wall systems—the Vicinity wall and the Eco Green Wall.
The findings not only highlighted increased crop yields and health but also emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of local production.
“By harnessing low-tech solutions and basic assembly techniques,” Botes elaborated, “we can significantly reduce costs and the carbon footprint associated with these living wall components.”
The revelation that building facades offer double the potential area for local food production compared to conventional soil-based agriculture in urban areas is a game-changer.
Botes concluded that cultivating traditional African vegetables within modular living walls significantly saves space, redefining urban agriculture’s landscape.
Moreover, she asserted, “Outdoor modular living wall systems with selected traditional African vegetable crops might just be the catalyst for improving food security and enhancing urban environments across sub-Saharan Africa.”
The study’s implications according to her, transcend mere agricultural advancements; they hold the promise of revolutionizing urban landscapes and addressing critical issues such as food security, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
The findings not only present a viable solution to urban food challenges but also serve as a clarion call to embrace innovative approaches, transforming the way we perceive and harness urban spaces for sustainable food production.
This research aligns with a mushrooming global trend, as evidenced by the exponential growth projected in the vertical farming market.
Valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2022, experts forecast it to soar to approximately USD 39.9 billion by 2032, underlining the escalating importance of innovative agricultural practices.
The U.S. vertical farming market, valued at USD 552.7 million in 2022, serves as a testament to the escalating momentum and viability of this transformative approach.
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