The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have initiated efforts to connect irrigation farmers in Kano with financial institutions and equipment suppliers to enable access to solar-powered irrigation technologies.
Reports gathered that the initiative was introduced during a two-day Demand-Supply Linkage Workshop and field demonstration programme on Solar-Based Irrigation Systems (SBIS) held in Kano.
Speaking at the event, IWMI Senior Regional Researcher, Oke Adebayo, explained that the programme was designed to strengthen collaboration among farmers, irrigation equipment providers and financial institutions, making modern irrigation solutions more attainable for farmers.
According to Adebayo, the intervention is being implemented in Kano, Jigawa and Gombe states to address one of the major obstacles limiting agricultural productivity—insufficient access to financing for irrigation infrastructure.
He noted that the initiative would help ease the difficulties associated with acquiring irrigation equipment while promoting the wider adoption of innovative irrigation technologies across Nigeria.
“For some time now, we and our stakeholders in Nigeria have been working towards scaling solar irrigation solutions.
“As we may know that the world today is confronted with climate change and we are not an exception. We have challenges with the cost of fuel for pumping for irrigation and even for home use and all that.
“When you interact with farmers you see that that’s quite a challenge for them when it comes to their irrigation practices, dry season agriculture and all that.”
Adebayo further stated that the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems would enable farmers to improve dry-season farming activities, lower operational costs associated with water pumping and embrace environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
Also speaking, IFPRI Country Director, Dr Oliver Kirui, said the workshop was organised to bring together critical stakeholders whose participation is necessary for expanding the use of solar irrigation technologies.
“Solar irrigation technologies already exist, and our research shows that farmers see their value. The challenge is ensuring that demand and supply meet in a way that makes adoption feasible, affordable, and sustainable.
“This workshop therefore aims to move beyond research findings and create practical connections.
“We have brought together farmers, suppliers, financial institutions, government agencies, and technical partners because each of these actors is essential to making solar irrigation work at scale,” Kirui said.
President of the Groundnut Association, Sadisu Ibrahim, praised the organisers for the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards improving the future of smallholder farmers.
During the workshop, the Managing Director of Farm World Technologies Limited, Chief Don Ekesiobi, alongside other irrigation equipment suppliers, outlined the requirements farmers must meet to qualify for access to the irrigation systems.
Representatives of participating financial institutions also indicated their readiness to provide financing options that would support farmers in acquiring the technology.
The event drew participants from different parts of the country, including farmers, researchers, agricultural specialists, academics and government officials, all of whom explored opportunities for expanding the adoption of solar-based irrigation systems in Nigeria.
