Shivam Parashar and Hitesh Dahiya
December 5, 2025
How fog-catchers are helping grow lettuce in the world's driest desert
This video is part of: Centre for Nature and Climate
Researchers are using mesh suspended between poles to collect tiny droplets of moisture from the air in Chile’s Atacama desert. Once condensed, the water is stored in tanks then used to grow lemons and lettuces. Researchers at the UC Atacama Desert Center hope to open up new areas for farming and have created an open-access map to show the best locations for fog harvesting.
In Chile’s Atacama Desert - the driest place on Earth - researchers are capturing moisture from the air using suspended mesh fog-catchers. These nets collect water droplets, which are stored in tanks and used to grow crops like lettuce and lemons.
Harvesting pure water in the harshest climate
Despite receiving as little as 1mm of rainfall in some areas, fog-catchers can generate up to 1,400 litres of water in these extreme environments. The water is pure, requiring added nutrients before it's suitable for agriculture.
Mapping the future of desert farming
Researchers at UC Atacama Desert Center have created an open-access map showing ideal fog-harvesting spots, aiming to open new areas for farming and water access. A single 32-metre fog-catcher can produce 220 litres of water a day - enough for one person’s daily use.
Innovative solutions for arid regions
Fog-catchers are just one of several projects highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s Food Innovation Hub UAE, which promotes sustainable water technologies. Others include Desolenator and Manhat, offering alternative solutions for water-scarce regions.
Watch the video to see how these innovations are changing the future of farming in deserts.
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