A rapidly growing population and, equally, diminishing space for conventional farming is accelerating interest in vertical farming methods, all of which will form part of the discussions at the 2^nd Urban Africa Agri Conference taking place in Johannesburg from September 25-26.

The world’s population is expected to increase by about 3-billion by 2050 and it is forecasted nearly 80% of that population will live in urban centres. Africa’s urban growth rate is at 3,5% the highest in the world and double the world average.

The challenge of growing enough healthy food for Africa’s growing cities is enormous. At the same time, the stresses of climate change, and the declining availability of arable land and fresh water are challenging conventional agriculture as never before.

Many countries and companies are expressing strong interest in vertical farming business and urban agriculture. It is a solution to the weather and pests problems, food security, climate change and environmental preservation.

Commercialisation of vertical farming is catching on in Asia, Europe, USA, Russia and now Africa. Many private companies are interested in growing crops in hydroponic, aquaponics and aeroponics systems in warehouses, greenhouses, containers and high scrapers. There is also a burgeoning interest in the production of medicinal plants in vertical farms.

Africa has unique opportunities for vertical farms. Feeding Africa’s rapidly growing urban population will continue to be a daunting challenge, but vertical farming – and its variations – is one of the most innovative approaches that can be tapped into as part of an effort to grow fresh, healthy, nutritious and pesticide-free food for consumers.

The latest joint ventures and partnerships will be highlighted, case studies shared and strategies robustly debated. New trends, opportunities and technologies will be showcased, once again providing the perfect platform for extraordinary networking opportunities for all Summit participants.

According to Wikipedia, the term ‘vertical farming’ was coined by Gilbert Ellis Bailey in 1915 in his book ‘Vertical Farming’. His use of the term differs from the current meaning—he wrote about farming with a special interest in soil origin, its nutrient content and the view of plant life as ‘vertical’ life forms, specifically relating to their underground root structures.

Modern usage of the term ‘vertical farming’ usually refers to growing plants in layers, whether in a multistory skyscraper, used warehouse, or shipping container.

Studies have also shown traditional agriculture disrupts wild populations and one of these showed wood mouse populations dropped from 25 a hectare to 5 a hectare after harvest, estimating 10 animals killed per hectare each year with conventional farming. In comparison, vertical farming would cause nominal harm to wildlife.

Equally, traditional farming is a an occupation that often affects the health of farmers and risks include exposure to infectious diseases, exposure to toxic pesticides and fungicides and injuries that can occur when using large industrial farming equipment. Vertical Farming reduces some of these risks.

In 2009, the world's first pilot production system was installed at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in the United Kingdom. The project showcased vertical farming and provided a physical base to conduct research into sustainable urban food production.

The produce is used to feed the zoo's animals while the project enables evaluation of the systems and provides an educational resource.