Solar Irrigation

Solar powered irrigation systems have the potential to transform agriculture in Ghana. Typically farmers use fuel based generators or electricity for mechanical irrigation which are both costly and unreliable. Solar power provides a clean and reliable alternative, which if offered with affordable financing, is affordable to many.

Compared to solar power for homes and businesses, solar irrigation systems are lower cost, because no battery or conversion to AC is required.

Our Pilot Project

In April 2024 we installed eight drip-type and two sprinkler-type systems across two communities in the Volta region of Ghana. The project was a trial to understand which types of solar irrigation systems can have the most impact and which types of farms are set to benefit most.

After the installation, the team visited each farm monthly to collect data on the use of the systems and conduct routine technical checks.

Sprinkler Type Irrigation Systems

Both sprinkler systems worked well, farmers noted that the irrigation systems have been working in the same way as before, but without the cost and time of refilling the genset or paying for electricity. Both farmers noted that the systems are benefitting them through reduced cost and increased availability of irrigation. For example, there was a 4-day power cut in the region recently and the solar power systems worked throughout. One farmer Serine recorded a 30% crop yield increase because he was able to irrigate a larger portion of the land, and for longer.

Drip Type Solar Irrigation Systems

The drip systems are working well for farmers in the Dzolokpuita region where water is scarce, and farmers were previously using a manual hand-fetch type irrigation. In this area the drip systems are helping to increase crop yields by an average of 100%. The systems have also reduced the time spent irrigating by over 80% for all farms in this area. This is a significant benefit for these farms who previously complained about having to spend long days on the farm manually irrigating the crops in a water efficient way. Now, sometimes they just spend 10 minutes in the morning to open the drip lines, and 10 minutes in the afternoon to close them.

There have been some challenges with drip systems installed in the Dzita area where sprinkler irrigation is widely used. In this area, farmers have spent many years learning how to manage their plots with sprinkler-type systems, and the transition to drip has come with some challenges including managing whiteflies, salty residue and nematodes.

3 of the 5 drip systems in this area have reported issues similar to the above. We are working closely with these farmers and getting support from agricultural experts to offer support on how they can manage these issues using the drip-type system. Based on this, we will consider trialling modifications to the irrigation systems and irrigation and farming practices. After this period, we will come to a conclusion on the suitability of drip systems for this type of farm.

Click here for our full report on this trial project