By Oluwaseyi Otitoju.
Soilless agriculture is rapidly emerging as a game-changer in the quest for sustainable farming and food security across Nigeria and beyond. Using methods like hydroponics and aeroponics, innovative farmers and entrepreneurs are growing crops without soil—right in urban spaces, educational institutions, and smallholder farms.
Experts estimate that soilless farming can increase crop yields by 30–60% while using up to 90% less water than traditional methods. This technology also significantly reduces exposure to soil-borne pests and diseases, cutting out chemical pesticide use.
Leading the charge is Adebowale Onafowora, founder of BIC Farms Concepts, a pioneer in Nigerian soilless farming. Having introduced hydroponics in 2013, Onafowora has since trained over 10,000 individuals and helped establish more than 100 hydroponic farms nationwide.
“Hydroponics lets you grow high-quality vegetables in less space, with fewer resources,” he explains. Under his guidance, leafy greens like lettuce and basil can be harvested in as little as 25–40 days, compared to 60–70 days in soil.
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Nigeria’s educational institutions are also embracing the innovation. In 2019, Landmark University’s Greenhouse and Hydroponic Technology Centre was established under his counsel, and has trained more than 5,000 farmers across southwestern Nigeria.
Meanwhile, aeroponics, which sprays nutrient-rich mist directly onto plant roots, is gaining traction among tech-savvy urban farmers. Analysts report that aeroponics uses up to 98% less water and enables faster plant growth with cleaner, soil-free produce.
A recent pilot in Lagos recorded two to three harvest cycles per season on vertically stacked aeroponics units—demonstrating strong potential for year-round vegetable production.
Stakeholders say this farming method holds enormous promise for Nigeria’s future—and not just for food security. It offers youth employment, reduced urban-rural migration, and greener urban environments with minimal land use and low carbon footprints.
Onafowora urges governmental support: “What we need now are policies, grants, and power solutions to scale this innovation,” he said.
As Nigeria grapples with land scarcity and rising food prices, soilless agriculture is emerging as a practical, tech-driven solution—planting seeds of hope for a more sustainable future.
