The government of Ethiopia is making significant strides in expanding solar water pumps for irrigation development to benefit smallholder farmers in the country. A panel discussion titled “The Benefit of Business Case Approach for Sustainable Promotion of Solar Water Pump Irrigation System” was recently held, organized by SNV- Sustainable Energy for Smallholder Farmers and the Ethiopian Solar Energy Development Association.
Rural Energy Technology Development CEO at the Ministry of Water and Energy, Berhanu Woldu, highlighted the government’s commitment to developing solar and renewable energy resources to improve productivity and incomes of farmers. Currently, over 300 MINI-GRID system stations are being constructed across the country to enhance electric power supply and promote the use of solar pumps for irrigation.
Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) Project Manager Hiwote Teshome emphasized the organization’s efforts to make solar energy technology accessible to farmers. The SNV Sustainable Energy for Smallholder Farmers Project aims to integrate renewable energy into dairy and horticulture value chains through scalable technologies for irrigation, cooling, and drying.
The project, implemented in various regions of Ethiopia, focuses on piloting innovative business cases for smallholder farmers and local businesses. Additionally, smallholder farmers and agri-businesses are receiving access to solar energy solutions and technological know-how to improve livelihoods and resilience to climate change.
Ethiopian Solar Energy Development Association’s General Manager, Tewabech Workie, highlighted the importance of solar energy as an alternative for rural areas lacking access to energy. The association is working to connect farmers with financing options from banks and microfinance institutions to facilitate access to solar energy solutions.