Constructing a greenhouse

Meeting the challenge

The Chinese expert group established its main pilot vegetable base at the São Tomé and Príncipe Academy of Agricultural Sciences. There, after meeting with Baltarzar Varela from the academy, Shi discovered a greenhouse metal frame that had been abandoned for many years in the courtyard. This was an exciting discovery and he decided to use this metal frame to build new greenhouses.

However, the lack of equipment was among the biggest challenges. Normally, building a greenhouse is quite easy - if all equipment and tools are readily available. But without these, Shi had to come up with new ways to attach the frame together, lay the insect screens and install the greenhouse doors. Lu Yangming, chief of the agricultural expert group, Xie Huidong, deputy chief and translator, and other colleagues joined Shi in his project. With the help of local workers, they fixed the greenhouse frame using wire. Chinese companies on the island also helped with the insect screen and by the end of July, after only a month of work, a greenhouse entirely covered by an insect screen finally saw the light of day.

The seeds of hope

"Due to its simple construction, this type of greenhouse can help prevent natural disasters, and increase productivity and yield," said Shi. In addition, the construction of such greenhouses is perfectly suited to local climatic conditions, as well as to the economic development level of São Tomé and Príncipe. Its frame can be built using wood or bamboo, materials that are easily found and affordable on the island. The bulk investment lies in the film covering the greenhouse and the insect screen. According to Shi, these two materials, which cost about $221, cover an area of about 8 meters × 30 meters for each greenhouse and can be used for three to five years. The cost of construction is thus within the reach of most farmers. In addition, the size of this greenhouse can be adjusted as needed, making it suitable to both large- and small-scale farmers.

Wang Wei, Chinese Ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe, and several local officials visited the greenhouse several times, attesting to its benefits. Satisfied with the results, the local government invited Shi to help spread the use of greenhouses in the area.

Barreto was also convinced. He decided to improve his own greenhouse by following the advice of the expert group. He said he is now confident that his greenhouse will help increase future yields.

"I plan to improve the structure and build two more greenhouses. At the same time, I will strive to develop new techniques for vegetable farming and crop management," he said.

Shi, for his part, said he wanted to continue to popularize techniques of vegetable farming and greenhouse construction with the support of the local government.