In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 95% of farmed land relies on seasonal rains to meet irrigation needs. West Africa’s access to modern irrigation is only 1%. The potential for solar water pumps on smallholder farms (less than one hectare) is at least 130 million units across West, Central and East Africa (excluding substituting diesel-pumps).
Low financial resources, however, means that smallholder farmers are limited in their ability to rent or use equipment, such as solar water pumps. These pumps can potentially increase annual income by 50% or more, in comparison to rainfed irrigation. Smallholder farms are often unaware of the benefits of solar technology devices. And they also lack access to financing. In addition, there are no supply chains from urban to rural areas, making it difficult to reach rural target groups.
Green People’s Energy for Africa works to improve economic and social benefits and sustainability of energy access through productive use of energy (PUE). To increase productive use of energy, the intiative supports: