Afrotym: Grains of Water That Irrigate in the Toughest Droughts
Organic grains could provide a vital solution to water efficiency in agriculture, particularly in water-stressed regions.
Waterbank is a natural water retention polymer that can hold up to 100 times its weight in water. Crucially, it enables soil to retain water for longer and plants to thrive without the need for farmers to irrigate frequently even in the hottest parts of the world. Afrotym, the initiative behind the Waterbank product, claims this unique attribute helps reduce irrigation costs by almost 50%.
The product works by absorbing moisture during irrigation or rainfall and gradually releasing it to plant roots over an extended period, ensuring a consistent water supply even during dry spells.
According to Afrotym, what makes Waterbank truly unique is its ability to tackle water scarcity without the need for expensive infrastructure or energy, a key advantage for more than 220 million smallholder farmers in Africa who can’t access costly irrigation systems.
Unlike conventional solutions, Waterbank claims to be the pioneering organic moisture retainer made from agricultural waste, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to water management. This innovative product can absorb and retain sufficient moisture in the soil for up to three months, giving crops a reliable water source even in prolonged dry periods.
Fully biodegradable, it breaks down naturally after its three months of water retention. Farmers can easily mix it into the soil during planting or transplanting, with no need for specialized equipment or technical expertise.
Agriculture uses 69% of global water supplies and 90% in low-income countries, according to the FAO, making it the most water-intensive sector. Afrotym’s innovative contribution helps soils retain moisture and prevent leaching, which often results in soil erosion and the loss of essential nutrients and microorganisms. Restoring the rich biodiversity of microorganisms essential for healthy soil ecosystems could be a game-changer in many parts of the world.
The impact on local communities could also be life-changing; women and young people who often spend all day hand-irrigating crops could be free to invest their time in income-generating activities or education, fostering gender equality and empowering communities to thrive.
Written by Gilly Smith
Image provided by Afrotym