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ProjectStrengthening the Institutional Capacities for Sustainable Management of Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) in Sub-Saharan Africa - TCP/RAF/3613 2020
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No results found.In recent years, solar-powered irrigation has become increasingly attractive to countries as a reliable, clean-energy solution for agricultural water management, especially in areas with low elevation topography and high solar radiation incidence levels. With investment costs for solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) decreasing, SPIS technologies are helping farmers reap a double benefit: more affordable irrigation and more consistent water availability. These technologies have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of energy used for water pumping by more than 95 percent, compared to alternatives dependent on diesel or fossil-fuel driven electricity grids. In water scarce countries, the provision of more affordable energy for the pumping of groundwater for irrigated agriculture can result in problems of groundwater depletion and quality deterioration. Thus, there is a need to think more systematically on the scalability of SPIS at national and local levels and the regulatory frameworks required. This project aimed at strengthening the institutional energy, water and planning capacities in Gambia, Kenya, Mali and Uganda as pilot countries, from which the project could position a series of policy and technical prescriptions to other sub-Saharan African countries, hence catalyzing regional coordination and knowledge exchange efforts. In light of the Strategic and Operational Plan of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union (AU-DREA) calling for support to AU Member States in applying the Principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), the project – with the AU-DREA as the governmental authority requesting the technical assistance – represents a concrete response to this call to action. The SPIS represent an untapped opportunity, and by mainstreaming and investing in these innovative irrigation systems, sub-Saharan African countries can simultaneously work towards agricultural development, gainful employment, rural poverty reduction and the sustainable management of natural resources, especially water. -
ProjectStrengthening sustainable agricultural production for farmers through solar‐powered irrigation - GCP/GLO/708/GER 2019
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No results found.There is growing interest in solar‐powered irrigation solutions around the world, as demonstrated by the increasing number of sales and requests for financing, installations and trainings. As investment, costs for the systems are decreasing and government subsidy schemes are being rolled out, solar technologies are becoming a viable option for both large and small-scale farmers. Solar-powered irrigation systems provide reliable and affordable energy and potentially reduce energy costs for irrigation. In rural areas without reliable access to electricity and/or diesel fuel, as well as in humanitarian crisis situations, these systems can provide a relatively flexible and climate-friendly alternative energy source. In humanitarian contexts in particular, solar pumps can enable people to access water locally and to support food security. During an international workshop held in May 2015, the idea emerged of a joint project aimed at synthesizing experiences with solar-powered irrigation systems around the world and ensuring greater understanding of policy implications for the sustainable use of this technology. -
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetSolar-powered agriculture
Renewable energy to safeguard farming livelihoods and food security in the Gaza Strip
2020Also available in:
No results found.The Gaza Strip has experienced chronic electricity shortages that have led to devastating impacts on agriculture-based livelihoods and food production. Through support received from the EU and the governments of Belgium, Canada, Netherlands in the past three years, FAO provided solar energy units to 166 farmers to operate poultry and dairy farms, to 526 farmers to make irrigation ponds operational and to 402 farmers to operate irrigation wells. To further mitigate the broader effects of the electricity shortages and to safeguard agriculture and food security in the longer term, FAO has been facilitating a national dialogue to engage all public and private stakeholders in defining a road map for sustainable solar electrification in the agro-food sector. This includes identifying viable investments in solar energy systems by assessing their financial, economic, social and environmental costs and benefits.
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