Adoption and use of solar water pumps in Kenya
Solar-powered irrigation systems provide reliable and affordable energy, reducing irrigation energy costs for smallholder farmers, particularly in rural areas where the cost of fuel is high.
Abstract
The Sustainable Energy for Smallholder Farmers (SEFFA) project, implemented across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience through the productive use of renewable energy (PUE) technologies. This multi-country initiative focused on integrating solar-powered solutions for irrigation, cooling, and drying within dairy and horticultural value chains. Key learnings highlight the importance of technology suitability, innovative financing mechanisms, and supportive policy frameworks to overcome barriers such as high upfront costs and limited access to credit.
The project demonstrated that tailored PUE technologies, combined with capacity building and gender-inclusive approaches, can significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve livelihoods, and contribute to climate action. SEFFA’s experience underscores the need for collaboration among private sector actors, financial institutions, and policymakers to scale sustainable energy solutions for smallholder farmers.