| Autor: |
Margaret S. Gumisiriza, Patrick A. Ndakidemi, Ernest R. Mbega |
| Jazyk: |
angličtina |
| Rok vydání: |
2022 |
| Předmět: |
|
| Zdroj: |
MethodsX, Vol 9, Iss , Pp 101882- (2022) |
| Druh dokumentu: |
article |
| ISSN: |
2215-0161 |
| DOI: |
10.1016/j.mex.2022.101882 |
| Popis: |
Majority of under-developed countries continue to face a challenge of food insecurity around urban areas resulting from factors such as; limited access to arable land. This study aimed at developing a simplified low-tech hydroponic system for growing leafy vegetables alongside testing its economic viability. This was intended to support urban vegetable production and henceforth contributing to food security more so in under-developed states dealing with the challenge of increasing urban population vs. reducing arable land around urban/ peri-urban areas. A hydroponic unit for growing 60 leafy vegetables (using lettuce as a study crop) under non-controlled environmental conditions was designed and developed using low-cost and low-tech materials. Kratky hydroponic method which involves growing crops using water as a media without the need for water pumps and electricity was used. A study was also carried out to assess the profitability of the system. The results indicated a: net present values of 16.37$, internal rate of return of 12.57%, profitability index of 1.1 and non-discounted payback period of approximately 8 months (4 cropping seasons).These findings showed that the system has the potential to improve urban food production and availability in especially in developing countries in a profitable manner. Vegetable production using the hydroponic system can also contribute to: • tachievement of sustainable development goals, 2 (zero hunger) and 3 (good health and wellbeing); • improvement in urban agriculture production and income generation among urban farmers; • enhanced adoption of low-cost, low-tech, environmental-friendly and sustainable farming systems. |
| Databáze: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
| Externí odkaz: |
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