Once a struggling village, Nagaa Aoun in Egypt's Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, has undergone a significant transformation. Through innovative rooftop farming, the community has become self-sufficient in vegetables and enjoys a steady income.
Leading this effort is Ragab Rabie, a 45-year-old man who introduced the concept to the village 10 years ago. A former fisherman, Rabie was inspired by a video of a Chinese farmer growing crops on his rooftop. Seeing an opportunity to improve both his own financial situation and that of his fellow villagers, he began exploring ways to implement the idea locally.
The village, situated between small salt lakes and barren lands, previously faced economic hardship. Many men worked as day laborers in nearby towns, finding jobs in construction, auto repair, and agriculture. After researching hydroponic farming, Rabie convinced several residents to participate in a pilot project.
"The initial challenge was that most homes in the village were made of straw and reeds, unsuitable for rooftop farming. However, with the help of loans from banks and lending institutions, many villagers were able to build new homes with concrete roofs, perfect for installing hydroponic units," Rabie told Xinhua.
Read more at Xinhua