Ethiopian Farmers Cut Costs and Emissions With Solar Irrigation

Farm Africa, an international nonprofit, has introduced solar-powered water pumps to small-scale farmers in central Ethiopia and the Oromia region through its Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable and Inclusive Development program. The initiative is funded by Farm Africa and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Ethiopia has abundant sunshine and water resources, yet most small farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture, leaving them vulnerable to drought and erratic weather. Those who do irrigate have relied on diesel or petrol pumps, which are costly to operate and difficult to fuel amid shortages and price spikes linked to global conflicts.

In Akaki Kality, a vegetable-growing cooperative of 25 members previously used 2,300 liters of diesel during a single three-month growing cycle. Switching to solar irrigation is expected to save the group nearly $6,000 in fuel costs alone.

Farmers in rural Oromia faced additional burdens: obtaining fuel required long journeys and administrative approvals, consuming time that could be spent farming. Solar pumps eliminate those trips and the uncertainty of fuel availability.

Beyond cost savings, the systems allow farmers to continue irrigating during extended dry periods, supporting more consistent crop yields and household incomes. The technology also removes a source of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural operations.

Farm Africa Program Manager Ayele Feleke described solar irrigation as a clean energy source delivering a double dividend: lower costs for farmers and a healthier planet for future generations.