Greenhouses & Hydroponics
Wet foliage in the morning points to air that was not exchanged in late afternoon, not to a disease. The 70 and 85 percent humidity
October 8, 2026
Greenhouse farming lets African growers protect high-value crops from heavy rain, pests and heat stress and produce outside the normal season. In this category, JOGOO explains how to choose and equip a greenhouse, which crops suit protected cultivation, and how hydroponic farming works, with practical guidance on ventilation, drip fertigation, nutrient solutions and pest management under cover.
Wet foliage in the morning points to air that was not exchanged in late afternoon, not to a disease. The 70 and 85 percent humidity
An ideal substrate exceeds 85 percent total pore space. Porosity, pH, bulk density and volume per plant for coir, rice husk ash and sand, based
Lettuce grows between 15 and 20 °C and bolts around 29 °C. The shade rate to pick, how to put the structure up, tray management
Substrate, electrical conductivity, pH, drainage and yield for soilless tomatoes under cover, based on the CIRAD guide from La Réunion, Ohio State University fact sheet
In a tropical climate, an agricultural greenhouse is there to ventilate and keep insects out, not to add heat. Structure types, design rules in figures
Soilless farming and hydroponics in Africa: systems (NFT, drip, DWC, aeroponics), suitable crops (tomato, lettuce, sweet pepper), set-up costs per 1,000 m² and the conditions
Equipment, inputs or technical support for this topic: see our solution Agricultural Greenhouses.
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Greenhouse farming can be profitable in Africa when it targets high-value crops such as tomato, pepper or cucumber and has a reliable market, ideally for off-season supply. Profit depends on a structure adapted to local heat and humidity, good ventilation, drip irrigation, skilled crop management and strict pest control. Without technical follow-up and market planning, the investment is hard to recover.
Tomato, sweet pepper, cucumber and chili are the most common greenhouse crops because they respond well to protection and fetch good prices. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce, herbs and strawberries also do well, especially in hydroponic systems. The best choice depends on your market, your climate and how well your structure controls heat and humidity.
Hydroponic farming grows plants without soil. The roots sit in water or in an inert medium such as cocopeat or gravel, and receive a nutrient solution containing all the elements the crop needs. Common systems include nutrient film technique, deep water culture and drip systems on substrate. Growers must monitor the solution's pH and nutrient concentration regularly to keep plants healthy.