Innovative sheltered horticulture in RADHORT countries

Abstract

Over the last decade, the total population of the sub-Saharan region of Africa has been increasing rapidly, with urbanization expected to be approximately 40% of the total population by 2050. Parallel growth has not been achieved in the agricultural sector in West Africa, with vegetable production and consumption being amongst the lowest in the world. This has aggravated the already the food insecurity and malnutrition situation in the region. In this context, the development of the horticultural sector with the goal of achieving sustainable intensification in support of food and nutrition security, would also promote the sustainable use of available land and water resources, generate employment especially for the small scale farming sector. To this end, and within the framework of their agricultural development policies, 10 countries of West Africa, have come together and committed themselves to cooperate for the diversification and intensification of horticultural crops in the region. This engagement materialized through establishment of the “African Network for Horticultural Development – RADHORT” (Réseau africain pour le développement de l’horticulture), as an independent intergovernmental entity. RADHORT is the outcome of a regional cooperation project in support of Horticulture Research and Development in Africa, which has been operational between since 1988 and 2002, implemented by FAO. The countries of RADHORT are located in the tropics. However, they cover different climate zones, extending from “Bsh”. (mid-latitude steppe and desert climate), “Bwh” (tropical and subtropical desert climate), “Am” (tropical monsoon climate), “Aw” (tropical Savanna climate) and “Bsh” (mid-latitude steppe and desert climate), according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Temperatures and global radiation are very suitable for vegetable production in tropical countries throughout the year, but open air cultivation can be severely hampered, high temperatures, winds heavy rainfall, while being exposed to pest and disease infestation. Sheltered cultivation will help to moderate negative effects of climate factors on the crop, improve water productivity and the efficiency of eco-friendly pest and disease management, and reduce weed infestation. The paper analyses and discusses different technical options of sheltered cultivation to be tested in RADHORT countries as a platform for expansion to other countries of Africa. With benefits at agronomic, environmental and economic level, while creating job opportunities and contributing to improved food and nutrition security in rural areas but in peri-urban settings to address the requirements of a constantly expanding urban population. © 2022 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.