Desert greenhouse model hopes to grow vegetables by collecting dew

Technology news stories these days tend to lean toward hi-tech consumer gadgetry with cool features but rather limited utility, in the grand scheme of things. So sometimes it’s nice to take a look at concepts that employ low technology in the service of genuine usefulness.

 

For instance, consider the dew-collecting greenhouse from Roots Up, a tiny non-profit operation affiliated with Ethiopia’s University of Gondar. Designed for multifunction use, this low-tech, low-cost greenhouse could help farmers raise fresh vegetables, even under drought conditions.

 

By trapping hot air and humidity in the mid-day sun, the greenhouse provides an improved atmosphere for plant growth. The greenhouse simultaneously works as a dew collector, capturing evaporation within the bio-plastic sheeting at the top of the dome.

 

To continue reading and see a Roots Up video demonstration, click here.