We are pleased to share that the first INCiTiS-FOOD e-discussion on the Synergy Forum has successfully concluded. Focused on “Growing Indigenous African Plants in Hydroponic or Other Soilless Systems,” the discussion ran from 26 May to 18 June. Over the course of three weeks, it received 116 views, 12 likes, and 8 responses from participants. The exchange brought forward a variety of valuable insights and perspectives on integrating indigenous crops into innovative farming systems.
Opening the Discussion
The discussion opened with four guiding questions:
- Which plants have shown promise in your context?
- How have digital tools or platforms helped identify, monitor, or optimise their performance?
- Are there mobile apps, databases, or knowledge-sharing portals that support decision-making for plant selection and care?
- What are the current barriers and challenges to scaling these crops through digital innovation ecosystems?
Deep Dive: Living Labs Sharing Their Experience
Individuals and Living Labs across the INCiTiS-FOOD network actively contributed to the conversation, offering insights drawn from their experience and lessons learned. Here’s what they shared:
Aglobe Development Center (ADC) Living Lab, Nigeria
The ADC Living Lab successfully cultivated African Eggplant leaves (Solanum macrocarpon) using a soilless aquaponic system. The results were highly promising, showcasing the crop’s adaptability and strong performance under innovative growing conditions.
Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM) Living Lab, Gabon
Sylvere Mboumba from USTM shared results from experimenting with the black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) in a covered-roof aquaponic greenhouse system. While the initial results were acceptable, there’s room for improvement. The Living Lab is also testing amaranth, which appears to be performing well, and plans to expand trials to African eggplant.
Njala University Living Lab, Sierra Leone
Annmarie Bangura from Njala University reported successful cultivation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Amaranthus tricolor in both Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) aquaponic and hydroponic systems. These culturally important and highly nutritious crops are consumed daily in Sierra Leone. Their performance in soilless systems has been excellent, highlighting the potential for sustainable agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas.
University of Ibadan Living Lab, Nigeria
The University of Ibadan team cultivated African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) using various hydroponic systems, including garrasfas pet and chop and flip. These methods produced high yields in biomass, rapid growth, and good palatability. Trials are now expanding to aquaponic grow beds.
A Side Note on Moringa: Curiosity Sparks Exchange
An intriguing side conversation emerged during the e-discussion around the possibility of cultivating Moringa (Moringa oleifera) in hydroponic systems. Rolf Morgenstern (Fachhochschule Südwestfalen) raised the question: Has anyone experimented with growing moringa hydroponically, and could it be a viable option?
Two insightful responses followed:
Annmarie Bangura (Njala University) shared that although moringa is traditionally grown in soil, interest in hydroponic cultivation is growing. While scientific studies remain limited, some growers have successfully demonstrated its feasibility. She noted that hydroponics could offer a promising solution for urban or commercial settings where soil conditions are less suitable.
Zala Schmautz (The Zurich University of Applied Sciences) added that moringa can indeed grow in hydroponic systems, but noted an important consideration: moringa is a fast-growing tree, not a typical leafy green. As such, hydroponics is better suited for seedling production or early propagation, providing a clean and controlled environment before transplanting.
This brief exchange showed how the discussion encouraged participants to share ideas and explore new possibilities.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The first e-discussion highlighted the growing interest and experimentation around cultivating indigenous African crops in soilless systems, especially in hydroponics and aquaponics. Living Labs across the INCiTiS-FOOD network shared encouraging results with crops such as African eggplant, amaranth, okra, and black nightshade, while the discussion around moringa opened the door to new ideas about species suitability and system design. This exchange also reaffirmed the importance of open dialogue across contexts, helping partners learn from each other’s practical experiences.
We now invite you to take part in our second e-discussion, which is already underway on the Synergy Portal. Your ideas, questions, and field experiences are essential as we continue exploring sustainable solutions for circular agri-food systems.
Participate in an e-discussion using your mobile phone. Access the Synergy Portal by downloading the app on your phone via the links below:
Once you have downloaded the app, click Discover and add this URL to access the Synergy Portal. Use your Synergy portal login to access the Synergy forum.
Make sure to follow our Newsroom, LinkedIn and Synergy portal for all further updates on e-discussions.
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