A quick Internet search of the term 'vertical farming' produces images of seemingly futuristic buildings housing an abundance of luxuriant plant life. While these complex architectural designs and cutting-edge technology might seem far-fetched, vertical farming is, in fact, a system that can be realised sooner rather than later.
The keys to achieving this dream in South Africa may be found in simplification and downscaling. In fact, more practical and easily implementable designs could provide solutions to the country's food security problems, as well as the rising costs of producing and transporting food.
Small-scale vertical farming structures, which predominantly employ hydroponics, offer an achievable means of improving agricultural productivity.
When plants are grown hydroponically, their roots are immersed
