Greenhouse Technology in Nigeria

Greenhouse technology is the unique technique of providing favourable conditions to the plants. This technology has just one purpose, which is to provide and maintain a growing environment that will result in optimum crop production at maximum yield. 

This method apart from creating a favourable growing environment for crops also protect the plants from adverse climatic condition (such as cold, wind, precipitation, excessive radiation, extreme temperature, etc.) and from insects and disease. Greenhouses range from simple low cost wooden structures to galvanized and computerized greenhouses. 

Under this technology, a farmer can grow any plant in any place at any time by just providing suitable environmental conditions with less labour.

Materials for greenhouse construction are not readily available in Nigeria and imported structures may be expensive to farmers. Locally replicated greenhouse has been proven to provide a low cost alternative to the imported ones marketed by some companies in Nigeria.

The interior of a greenhouse exposed to sunlight becomes significantly warmer than the external ambient temperature, protecting its contents in cold weather.

The wooden greenhouses are locally made from treated hardwood (not bamboo) to keep termites away. Galvanized greenhouses are made from aluminium which will not rot easily like ordinary wood. Both the galvanized and wooden greenhouses come with drip irrigation system.

Computerized greenhouses are more sophisticated and come with such equipment like screening installations, heating, cooling, lighting, etc. which are controlled by a computer to optimize conditions for plant growth.

Greenhouse structures range in size with covering such as nets, plastics, poly-carbonates or glass depending on the prevailing climatic conditions and the crop to be grown. Crops to grow in greenhouses include leafy vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, citrus fruits, carrots, etc.

Advantages of greenhouses include good distribution of light inside the greenhouse, energy efficiency, control of micro-climate, protection against diseases & pests, excellent ventilation, optimum sealing against rain and air, increased production, production off-season, production in regions with adverse weather conditions, ability to grow all the year round etc.

This technology is now widely used in developed countries. In Africa, Egypt, Kenya and South-Africa already made investment in the technology. In Nigeria, the use of greenhouses has been confined to research institutes, tertiary institutions and few individuals majorly due to the high cost of procuring the technology.

Companies that market imported greenhouses in Nigeria include Dizengoff Nigeria limited. They sell two types of structures, the 8m by 24m (1.9 million naira) and 8m by 48m (3.5 Million naira). The two structures come with a set of kits which include fertiliser and agro chemicals, nursery set, Jacto sprayer, drip irrigation system, quality seeds and health and safety kits.

Sedfort Nigeria limited sells fully automated (computer controlled) greenhouses that come with irrigation, fertigation, filtration, crop support system and climate control options that can support any kind of crop.

Other companies that market Greenhouses in Nigeria include Saro Agrosciences Nigeria Limited and Jubaili Agrotec Limited.

Though greenhouse technology is excellent for increased productivity and wealth generation but it may not be accessible to many farmers because of its high cost. Locally fabricated ones have proven to produce remarkable results at a reduced cost.

One of such fabricators is Asher Ventures and Specialities Limited managed by Mr Adewale Okunoye, a construction engineer. He acquired the skills for this technology in Kenya after an extensive tour of East-Africa and has deployed a number of successful greenhouses to small and medium scale crop farmers that cannot afford imported ones. The greenhouses come with kits like fertilizers & seeds. He also provides training and after sales support. The company sell both wooden greenhouses (₦720,000) and galvanized greenhouses (₦1.3 million).

Interested farmers (individuals or co-operative) can get in touch with Asher Ventures at 58, Badore Road, Kaycee Bus-stop, Ijoyi, Badore, Ajah, Lagos State. Or call 08054260385 for more details.

Written by Kehinde Jimoh (Associate Fellow, Nigeria Leadership Initiative). 07086887104