Farming is a vital part of Kenya’s economy, and it provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the population. Increasing agricultural productivity could be a key strategy to reduce poverty, create jobs and ensure food security in Kenya, especially given the country’s growing population.

Irrigation is an important part of agri-food development, but diesel-operated irrigation pumps are highly polluting and carbon-intensive. However, the introduction of solar-powered irrigation pumps has revolutionized farming in Kenya. With solar-powered solutions, farmers now have the opportunity to irrigate their land more effectively thereby increasing productivity. Kenyan farmers, for years, had been using diesel pumps and manual methods for irrigation, which were not only labor-intensive but also economically draining due to rising fuel costs. Thankfully, numerous companies have suggested sustainable resolutions to this problem. 

Futurepump

One of the leading companies, Futurepump, founded in 2012, introduced solar-powered irrigation pumps to smallholder farmers of Kenya and they also provided a financing program to assist farmers with the costs, allowing for flexible payments. 

Futurepump provides solar-powered irrigation pumps as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to petrol-fueled pumps. Their solar irrigation devices are engineered to combine solar power technology with remote monitoring systems, offering a robust solution for rural farmers to maintain their fields more easily.

The company emphasizes rigorous field testing, high efficiency and durability and offers a market-leading 10-year warranty on its products. Their solar-powered irrigation pumps are designed for efficiency and sustainability, catering to the needs of small-scale farming.

The mission of Futurepump is to aid the approximately 500 million one-acre farmers around the globe by developing solar-powered irrigation technologies. Although initially focused on Kenya, the company has global ambitions to expand its reach and assist small farmers in East Africa and beyond with its solar-powered irrigation pumps.

SunCulture

SunCulture, founded in 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya, is a company dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, primarily by leveraging off-grid solar technology. Their mission is to alleviate the daily challenges faced by smallholder farmers by providing an array of solar-powered solutions giving farmers access to water, irrigation, lighting and mobile charging through a single system.

Utilizing the solar potential in Kenya, SunCulture has introduced solar-powered irrigation systems. This initiative supports the agricultural sector, particularly smallholder farms, by improving crop yields, productivity and farmer income, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

In addition to that, they combine their technological solutions with pay-as-you-go (PAYG) financing and additional value-added services, making their offerings more accessible and beneficial to the farmers.

SunCulture’s solar-powered drip irrigation systems have been reported to deliver significant benefits to farmers. By delivering water directly to crop roots, these systems can lead to yield gains of up to 300% and water savings of up to 80%. 

Impact

Before the adoption of solar pumps, Kenyan farmers were heavily reliant on diesel-powered pumps, which were not only expensive but also environmentally unfriendly. Solar pumps provide:

• Double the agricultural yield. 
• A reduction in irrigation costs by 21% to 30%, due to the adoption of solar irrigation facilities. 
• Savings from the elimination of fuel costs. 
• A 158% increase in revenue and a 239% increase in profits for farmers using solar-powered irrigation systems.

Conclusion

Through the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps and solar technology, Kenya is indeed showcasing the immense potential of solar energy in transforming not only the agricultural sector but also improving the lives of its citizens. This transition also stands as a beacon to other countries in the region, illustrating how technology and sustainability can be intertwined to foster a brighter and greener future.

– Laeticia Mbangue
Photo: Flickr