Solar powered sustainable hydroponic Farming for small scale holder farmers and Agro-value chain development practice

Description of the problems: The first challenge identified by Ethio-Leap, the scarcity of arable land, is a consequence of rapid urbanization and population growth. As cities have expanded, fertile land has dwindled, threatening the country’s agricultural productivity. The second challenge is water scarcity. Ethiopia, already grappling with limited water resources, faces increased pressure due to climate change and population growth. Conventional farming, reliant on extensive irrigation, exacerbates this problem, leading to conflicts over water usage and hindering sustainable agricultural practices. Environmental degradation is the third challenge. Conventional farming methods, associated with soil erosion, deforestation and chemical pollution, take a toll on the environment, endangering ecosystems and biodiversity. This degradation not only compromises the long-term viability of farming but also poses significant risks to public health and well-being. Fourth, traditional farming in Ethiopia is subject to seasonal variations, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability. Crop yields fluctuate with rainfall patterns and temperature changes, leaving farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations and lean periods without sufficient produce to sustain their livelihoods. Finally, the labour-intensive nature of traditional farming places a heavy burden on farmers, often leading to high operational costs and reduced productivity. Tasks such as ploughing, planting and harvesting require significant manual labour, limiting farmers’ ability to expand their operations and invest in sustainable practices Implemented solutions: