- What inspired you to pursue a Master’s Degree in Crop Science majoring in Crop Physiology
Pursuing my Master’s Degree in Crops Science allows me to develop skills to address the environmental challenges in agriculture and work toward sustainable agricultural practices that can benefit communities and support food security.
- Why did you choose to research the desalination greenhouse?
I chose to research solar desalination greenhouses (SDGs) because they offer a sustainable solution to freshwater scarcity, which is increasingly exacerbated by climate change and agricultural demands.
Traditional desalination methods are often energy-intensive and rely on fossil fuels, which are costly and environmentally taxing. In contrast, SDGs harness solar energy, providing an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative.
SDGs also create a microclimate for plant cultivation, enhancing local food security. This dual function means local farmers can adopt SDGs to produce valuable crops while simultaneously generating fresh water, which adds economic value. By improving access to fresh water and supporting sustainable agriculture, SDGs present a holistic approach to resource management that can be particularly impactful in water-stressed rural regions.
- How can this technology contribute to a more circular economy in agriculture?
This technology can contribute significantly to a circular economy in agriculture by transforming saline water, typically a waste product, into a valuable resource. In a solar desalination greenhouse (SDG), seawater is converted into fresh water using solar energy, supporting the growth of economically valuable plants like halophytes, which may be used for food, medicinal, or industrial purposes.
This closed system reduces waste, minimizes environmental impact, and supports sustainable agricultural practices by recycling water and nutrients within the system. Local farmers benefit economically from the ability to produce high-value crops while reducing their environmental footprint, creating a more resilient and self-sustaining agricultural model.
- How costly is this technology? Is it prohibitive for small farmers?
The solar desalination greenhouse (SDG) is cost-effective and accessible, especially for small farmers. Unlike traditional desalination, which requires expensive energy and infrastructure, the SDG relies on solar energy and locally sourced materials, keeping initial and operational costs low. Although there is an initial investment, it’s offset by long-term benefits like reliable fresh water, increased crop yields, and the ability to grow high-value plants in saline conditions. Overall, the SDG is affordable, sustainable, and adaptable for small-scale farming.
- What have been the challenges in setting up this technology?
A key challenge has been ensuring the security of the SDG equipment at the experimental site. Theft risks affected the project by necessitating additional protective measures such as fencing, locks, or surveillance, which increased overall costs.
Also, the SDG’s exposure to saline water requires corrosion-resistant materials, which were not locally available. This issue increased maintenance needs. Managing the brine by-product was essential to prevent environmental impacts. Safe disposal or reuse strategies for brine needed to be planned and implemented, particularly to avoid harming nearby soil or water sources.
- How will you upscale this technology to make it commercially viable?
Establishing partnerships with local cooperatives and governments could facilitate access to resources and training for small farmers, enabling a wider rollout. Integrating cost-effective, corrosion-resistant materials and designing for easy assembly and maintenance would also make the technology more accessible. Finally, offering financing options or subsidies for initial setup costs would support broader adoption and create a sustainable model for upscaling the SDG technology commercially.
- What are your plans once you have finished your Master’s Degree? Do you plan to go commercial with the desalination greenhouse?
After my master’s, I plan to pursue a PhD to further refine the solar desalination greenhouse (SDG) technology, focusing on improving its efficiency and scalability.
Alongside my studies, I hope to collaborate on pilot SDG projects in water-scarce areas to demonstrate its benefits. If successful, I would like to commercialize the SDG by partnering with governments and NGOs, making it accessible and affordable for small-scale farmers to support sustainable agriculture.