Writer: Amy Lee

A World Bank report showed that close to one-third of wealth in low-income countries comes from natural capital. Agriculture is the key, which underscores the importance of sustainable resource management. Climate change causes drought and irregular rainfall, therefore it poses a risk to the incomes of farmers who relies on rain-fed agriculture. Farmers in Mukono, the central part of Uganda, are trying to mitigate the impacts by adopting solar-powered irrigation systems.   

The project is coordinated by the country’s Water and Environment Ministry and the irrigation facility is constructed by a UK clean energy company. It comprises of solar panels, transmission pipelines, pumps, storage tanks, distribution networks and on-farm irrigation systems. 

The solar panels, being the principal component of the whole system, absorb the sun’s photons and convert them into energy supporting the operation of the irrigation system. 

The team embraced an open attitude in the search for water sources.  “Where we have swamps for example, we will conserve the swamps, make sure there is enough water and the water from the swamp will then go upstream for the farmers to use,” said Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

Being a renewable energy source, the supply of solar power is particularly stable in tropical regions where sunshine is plentiful. It is also a clean and sustainable energy.  

Through solar distribution and irrigation technology, local farmers become accessible to a steady source of water. Year-round cultivation is now being made possible. Farmers can better plan and increase the growth of high-value crops such as coffee and banana in a highly cost-effective and consistent way. The system also benefits the youth and women as they are the groups usually tasked with fetching water.

The project is currently benefiting 5 families, but the number is going to grow to 30, aiming to irrigate up to 10 hectares of land ultimately.    

The Government sees this as part of a wider master plan aimed at combating climate change effects and plans are in the offering to roll out this programme across the country. 

Sources:
chimpreports.com/uganda-partners-with-uk-to-transform-agriculture-with-solar-powered-irrigation-systems/
openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/29001
ugstandard.com/how-new-mega-solar-powered-irrigation-system-will-change-farmers-lives-in-mukono/

Image Sources:
ugstandard.com/how-new-mega-solar-powered-irrigation-system-will-change-farmers-lives-in-mukono/