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Schaduf installed a hydroponic fridge in a Cairo supermarket, growing vegetables on-site using water and nutrients—no soil needed. The “Farmed Here” system saves 90% of water, prevents waste by keeping veggies fresh until purchased, and reduces carbon emissions by eliminating transport. Customers can pick fresh produce directly, while harvested plants are immediately replaced. Schaduf plans to expand this sustainable initiative to more stores.

This issue highlights Schaduf’s project as part of a selection of standout regional works. It is featured alongside projects in Egypt, Brazil, and the UAE. Schaduf’s project exemplifies innovation and development in design and engineering in the region.

Schaduf, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, is converting unused rooftops in Giza into productive hydroponic farms managed by Syrian refugees and Egyptian families. The project creates new income opportunities while transforming neglected spaces into green, sustainable environments. Through training, installation, and market support, Schaduf is helping families grow high-value crops and integrate more deeply into their communities.

A rooftop-farming project funded by the International Organization for Migration and implemented by Egypt’s eco-agriculture company Schaduf is helping Syrian refugees in Giza grow and sell lettuce for a stable income. The initiative has installed hydroponic units on 19 rooftops so far, benefiting 35 families through training, food security, and employment. Beyond economic support, the project promotes environmental awareness, social integration, and plans to expand rooftop farming to schools and more communities across Egypt.

Schaduf, founded by Sherif and Tarek Hosny in 2011, brings urban hydroponic farming to Cairo. Inspired by the ancient irrigation tool “schaduf,” the company provides rooftop and in-store mini-farms for low-income communities. Their systems grow vegetables up to 90% faster, offering fresh produce directly to customers.

Egypt’s Schaduf has built hydroponic farms inside grocery stores, allowing customers to buy the freshest produce while reducing transportation emissions. Their indoor systems grow vegetables using 90% less water, important in water-scarce Egypt, and extend the freshness of produce for up to 10 days. Schaduf aims to expand its hydroponic farms to other stores, potentially growing crops like lettuce, strawberries, and tomatoes.

The “Framed Here” project by Schaduf brings fresh, hydroponically grown crops directly into store refrigerators, saving water and bypassing traditional soil-based farming. Launched 11 months ago, the initiative quickly drew strong public interest following a March trial, building on Schaduf’s urban farming experience since 2010 and prior collaboration with the International Organization for Migration.

A special hydroponic fridge in Egyptian supermarkets grows fresh vegetables directly inside, using only water and nutrients without soil. This system saves up to 90% of irrigation water, prevents crop loss, reduces food waste, and lowers carbon emissions by eliminating the need to transport produce from farms.

A special fridge in Egyptian supermarkets grows fresh vegetables on-site using hydroponics, a soil-free system with water and nutrients pumped from tanks below. This method saves up to 90% of irrigation water, prevents crop loss, reduces food waste, and cuts carbon emissions by eliminating the need for transport from farms.

In Cairo, a hydroponic fridge by Schaduf lets customers buy fresh vegetables grown on-site, using water only—no soil needed. The system saves 90% of water usage, reduces food waste, and cuts carbon emissions by eliminating the need for transport.