The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have launched an initiative to connect irrigation farmers in Kano State with financial institutions and equipment suppliers to improve access to solar-powered irrigation technologies.
The initiative was unveiled during a two-day Demand-Supply Linkage Workshop and Field Demonstration Programme on Solar-Based Irrigation Systems (SBIS) held in Kano.
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between farmers, financial service providers and technology suppliers enabling smallholder and commercial farmers to acquire affordable solar-powered irrigation systems through accessible financing options.
According to the organisers, expanding access to solar irrigation technology will help farmers reduce dependence on fuel-powered pumps, lower production costs and improve the efficiency of dry-season farming.
The workshop also featured practical demonstrations of Solar-Based Irrigation Systems, allowing participants to gain firsthand knowledge of the operation, benefits and maintenance of the technology.
Stakeholders emphasized that wider adoption of solar-powered irrigation would contribute to increased agricultural productivity, improved water management and enhanced resilience to climate change.
They noted that access to sustainable irrigation technologies is essential for boosting year-round crop production, increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening national food security.
The initiative further seeks to foster stronger collaboration between financial institutions, agricultural technology providers and farming communities to promote investment in climate-smart agriculture.
Participants expressed optimism that the programme would accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions in irrigation farming and support the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector through innovation, sustainable financing and improved access to modern farming technologies.
