Solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers in Ghana
On 5 February 2021, SNV’s Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) hosted a webinar to commission a study to assess the opportunities and barriers smallholder farmers face in accessing Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPISs) in Ghana.
About the GrEEn project
The Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project is a four-year action from the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The project aims at creating greater economic and employment opportunities for youth, women and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses in two selected regions in Ghana: Ashanti and Western.
GrEEn is implemented under the European Union Emergency Trust Fund (EUTF) for Africa with a total contribution of EUR 20,600,000.
About the webinar
Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) have the potential to transform agricultural productivity, create jobs, improve livelihoods and provide resilience against the potential impacts of climate change. Evidence from early systems installed in Ghana and those from elsewhere have demonstrated that the benefits are immense and have led to greater yields, increased income for farmers, and a generally improved food security situation. The application of SPIS also launches the agricultural sector onto a greener pathway, by displacing options such as diesel/petrol pumps and in some instances, grid-powered irrigation pumps which tend to be more polluting.
In Ghana, solar-powered irrigation remains excessively expensive, far beyond the means of smallholder farmers. There is also limited demand due to lack of awareness of clean energy technology and its high cost. Within the context of the Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project, this study was undertaken to deepen the understanding of the barriers that militate against the uptake of SPIS and to provide insights into how these challenges may be addressed.
Objectives of the webinar
Present the findings of the study to key stakeholders for feedback and validation
Discuss and exchange key lessons from the study with service providers and policymakers to improve service provision and access to SPISs for smallholder farmers
Introduce the GrEEn project to a broad range of relevant stakeholders and raise awareness on Ghana’s green and circular economy
Target audience
Public sector/government institutions at the national and sub-national level;
Suppliers and installers of (solar-powered) irrigation facilities
Financial service providers
Incubation and acceleration hubs
Farmer-based organisations and individual farmers
Respondents/contributors to the study
Business membership organisations
Technical training service providers
Individual/freelance consultants, coaches and mentors
Click here to download the webinar presentation.