Basin collects the first rainfall
At Boa Vista, one of the Cape Verdean islands, a basin for a hydroponic farm was lined just in time for the first rainfall. The basin was soon full thanks to an above average rainfall just after installation. This is essential for dry areas as Cape Verde, that heavily lacks water. Also, the groundwater is very salt and the island has a desert-like landscape, with dry vegetation and sandy soil. Because of these factors, traditional farming on this and the other islands is very difficult. It forces Cape Verde to import 80% of its food.
Hydroponics at Cape Verde
Hydroponics is beneficial in Cape Verde because it efficiently uses water and supports food production in areas with dry, poor soil. In hydroponics plants are grown in a nutrient solution, instead of in soil. This fully self-sufficient hydroponic farm grows lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil and a variety of other fresh vegetables. A combination of rainwater collection and purification allows this hydroponics farm on Boa Vista to operate, even in this dry and salty environment. The low water requirements of hydroponic systems make them very suitable for Cape Verde. Utilizing this system, the company minimizes water usage by 90% comparing to conventional farming techniques.
Happy customer: hydroponics support Boa Vista’s food supply
The customer let us know he is happy with the result! His idea is that the water will last until the next rain season, which would be a huge deal on this Cape Verdean island. Besides, near the facility there is a river which still had water in that period, what was very rare in October. Every week the grower tops it up a bit.
Remarkable: the yield of this company has now reached a point where it sustains the island, supplying restaurants and several hotels!
