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Difference between revisions of "Developing an Innovative Solar Irrigation Business Case in Gaza Province"

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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 
== '''Project Approach''' ==
 
== '''Project Approach''' ==
 +
In Mozambique, more than 60 % of the population lives in rural areas and is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector. The rural electrification rate is only 3.8 % (2021), meaning that many smallholder farmers rely on expensive and polluting diesel pumps to access water for irrigation, or on unpredictable rain-fed irrigation. In Limpopo, Gaza Province, the Limpopo Sand River is known for its shallow, year-round groundwater availability, providing a sustainable and reliable water supply. The water is currently inaccessible for irrigation and is lost to the ocean. Solar irrigation can provide a clean and potentially costeffective solution to accessing this water and increasing agricultural production.
 +
 +
Green People’s Energy (Grüne Bürgerenergie, GBE – GIZ) is supporting the Practica Foundation to develop an innovative solar irrigation business case in Gaza province, based on previous experience. Practica has developed a technique that allows local enterprises to install affordable well points for individual farmers. By connecting the well point to a low-cost irrigation system (including a small solar pump) the water from the wells can be used for farming activities. In order to make this a functioning overall concept, the project approach includes various activities: Selection of Mozambique-based partners interested in offering integrated pump and irrigation solutions, planning and stakeholder involvement, training and equipment delivery for selected local drilling teams, familiarizing farmers with the Pay As You Go (PAYGO) approach (see explanation below), monitoring and planning for upscaling. A crucial part of the project are various capacity building measures. Together with the solar equipment supplier SolarWorks! Mozambique, Practica trains the farmers who purchase the solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS). Practica also trains local drill enterprises, solar pump supplier technicians, extension workers and teachers of educational institutes.
 +
 +
The plan is that 100 farmers purchase SPIS while receiving subsidies from GIZ. In order to test the demand and willingness to pay of the potential clients, the concept foresees the reduction of subsidy level: early birds receive 70 % subsidy, while the second half could only count with 50 % subsidy. Entering a new market, this allows to provide a special incentive for the first clients. The farmers pay their own contributions on a PAYGO basis for a 24-months contract period. This means that farmers do not have to go into debt, but can gradually pay off their SPIS in instalments (e.g. after they have been able to generate money through crop sales).
  
 
== '''Methodology of Data Collection''' ==
 
== '''Methodology of Data Collection''' ==
 +
The data for this case study report was collected through a project document review, five qualitative interviews with representatives of GIZ, Practica, SolarWorks! Mozambique and two farmers, as well as and a quantitative survey among 50 training participants, 29 of whom responded (of which 24 % are women). In addition, the project monitors the financial impacts on the famers by IHE DELFT (Netherlands Water Research Education Institute). There were several rounds: an intake survey, continuous field visits throughout the cropping season, a final survey at the end of the first season and a more detailed evaluation of the profits with a limited number of surveyed farmers (8) over the full last season (2022). In addition, Practica conducted an impact assessment survey with 31 farmers (23 % of whom were women). Results of all surveys are presented below. The case study was conducted between March and August 2023.
  
 
== '''Key Findings''' ==
 
== '''Key Findings''' ==
Line 13: Line 19:
 
=== Project Achievements ===
 
=== Project Achievements ===
  
 +
In total, 111 people were trained in different topics, including: agriculture, SPIS, drilling techniques and related topics. Of these, 50 were selected to take part in the survey, including 21 technicians trained in SPIS, 7 in drilling, and 22 extension workers and teachers trained in agriculture. The drilling companies have also been successfully equipped. 90 % of the training participants report in the survey that they are using the training knowledge they acquired in their respective jobs (see figure 1). The application of learned knowledge is also reflected in improved work performance (see figure 2). This gives reason to believe that the trainings were valuable in contributing to good quality installations, including the installations of the subsidised SPIS. 100 farmers have taken advantage of the incentives offered and are using the installed SPIS with maximum power of 360 W.
 +
 +
Of these, 50 purchased a SPIS with 70 % incentive vouchers and the remaining 50 bought the SPIS with 50 % incentive. All the farmers were trained on the use of the systems. According to interview partners the provision of the SPIS has been a game-changer for the crop production. Thanks to this innovative solution, farmers no longer have to rely on the tedious and time-consuming task of manually irrigating their crops using a can or bucket. The SPIS have saved farmers many hours of work and extended the scope of crop cultivation beyond what was previously possible. Thanks to the irrigation systems, horticulture crops such as bananas, papaya, and vegetables can now be easily cultivated.
 +
 +
Producers have started to focus on short-cycle vegetable crops like
 +
 +
lettuce, cabbage, kale, etc., which require more frequent watering.
 +
 +
Some crops require daily irrigation, or even twice a day during the
 +
 +
sunny season.
 +
 +
Apart from increased crop diversity, farmers can now also grow
 +
 +
crops year-round, even during the hot and dry seasons. A Practica
 +
 +
report reveals that 68 % of farmers use their SPIS frequently.
 +
 +
A financial evaluation of a full season was not possible, since the
 +
 +
solar pump was introduced mid-way or in some cases at the end
 +
 +
of the 2022 season. However, fuel costs still covered 14 % of the
 +
 +
seasonal input costs, indicating the significant contribution a solar
 +
 +
pump can make to reducing the running costs of the farm.
 +
 +
Most farmers in the study make an average profit of approximately
 +
 +
€ 1,050 over a dry season, with significant variation (between
 +
 +
€ 50 and € 3,000). The most profitable farm specialized in cash
 +
 +
crops, while the least profitable focused on subsistence farming.
 +
 +
The majority likely falls into the middle category with diversified
 +
 +
crops for income and own consumption.
 +
 +
In terms of payment the supplier offered flexible instalment
 +
 +
options. Most farmers chose to make payments every 3 months
 +
 +
(27 %) or 6 months (53 %), with amounts typically ranging between
 +
 +
€ 44 – 74 or € 74 –148, respectively. Initially, the first instalment
 +
 +
was often covered from personal savings, followed by income
 +
 +
from existing farm activities, while subsequent payments mainly
 +
 +
relied on farming income (88 %).
  
 
=== Intermediate Impact ===
 
=== Intermediate Impact ===
  
 +
Overall, the SPIS have been essential for enhancing agricultural
 +
 +
productivity. Thanks to the systems, farmers can now focus on
 +
 +
other aspects of their work, such as pest control and soil management,
 +
 +
instead of time-consuming manual irrigation. Those who
 +
 +
previously relied on generators for their irrigation needs, benefit
 +
 +
from significant cost savings. It enabled them to reduce production
 +
 +
costs related to fuel powered pumps. Fuel is quite expensive
 +
 +
and it is time-consuming to buy it on a regular basis. By replacing
 +
 +
the use of generators with a more efficient and cost-effective
 +
 +
system,
 +
 +
farmers are able to reduce their expenses and increase
 +
 +
their overall profitability. This switch has not only benefited
 +
 +
farmers financially, but has also had a positive impact on the
 +
 +
environment by reducing carbon emissions.
 +
 +
Interviewed end-users stated that the SPIS is leading to improved
 +
 +
overall well-being for themselves and their families. With the
 +
 +
ability to grow a wide range of vegetables, they can provide their
 +
 +
families with a more balanced and healthier diet.
 +
 +
Moreover, the income from the sale of these crops has helped
 +
 +
an interviewee’s family to meet basic needs such as health care
 +
 +
and education for their children.
 +
 +
At the time of the Case Study, comprehensive quantitative data
 +
 +
on the effect on farmer income was not yet available. However,
 +
 +
statements
 +
 +
from the qualitative interviews suggest that the
 +
 +
installation
 +
 +
of SPIS has improved reliable access to water and
 +
 +
the quality of life of farming families.
 +
 +
Although the training for technicians, drilling companies,
 +
 +
extension
 +
 +
workers and teachers of educational institutions
 +
 +
was primarily aimed at improving the quality of installations,
 +
 +
participants
 +
 +
noted improved professional qualification as an
 +
 +
individual benefit. Based on the findings of the survey, it has
 +
 +
been revealed that 31 % of trainees reported an increase in their
 +
 +
income due to improved professional qualification (figure 3).
  
 
=== Challenges in Project Implementation ===
 
=== Challenges in Project Implementation ===
Line 30: Line 162:
  
 
== '''Further Information''' ==
 
== '''Further Information''' ==
−
 
−
* [[Benin Energy Situation]]
 
−
* [[Traineeships for Young Women Engineers in Benin’s Public Energy Sector]]
 
−
* [[Capacity Building for Quality  Energy Services in Rural Benin]]
 
−
* [[Strengthening Solar PV Vocational Training and Promoting Energy Skills Development for Women in Uganda]]
 
 
</div> <!-- End .moz -->
 
</div> <!-- End .moz -->
 
[[Category:GBE]]
 
[[Category:GBE]]

Revision as of 08:36, 3 April 2024

Developing an Innovative Solar Irrigation Business Case in Gaza Province

Project Approach

In Mozambique, more than 60 % of the population lives in rural areas and is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector. The rural electrification rate is only 3.8 % (2021), meaning that many smallholder farmers rely on expensive and polluting diesel pumps to access water for irrigation, or on unpredictable rain-fed irrigation. In Limpopo, Gaza Province, the Limpopo Sand River is known for its shallow, year-round groundwater availability, providing a sustainable and reliable water supply. The water is currently inaccessible for irrigation and is lost to the ocean. Solar irrigation can provide a clean and potentially costeffective solution to accessing this water and increasing agricultural production.

Green People’s Energy (Grüne Bürgerenergie, GBE – GIZ) is supporting the Practica Foundation to develop an innovative solar irrigation business case in Gaza province, based on previous experience. Practica has developed a technique that allows local enterprises to install affordable well points for individual farmers. By connecting the well point to a low-cost irrigation system (including a small solar pump) the water from the wells can be used for farming activities. In order to make this a functioning overall concept, the project approach includes various activities: Selection of Mozambique-based partners interested in offering integrated pump and irrigation solutions, planning and stakeholder involvement, training and equipment delivery for selected local drilling teams, familiarizing farmers with the Pay As You Go (PAYGO) approach (see explanation below), monitoring and planning for upscaling. A crucial part of the project are various capacity building measures. Together with the solar equipment supplier SolarWorks! Mozambique, Practica trains the farmers who purchase the solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS). Practica also trains local drill enterprises, solar pump supplier technicians, extension workers and teachers of educational institutes.

The plan is that 100 farmers purchase SPIS while receiving subsidies from GIZ. In order to test the demand and willingness to pay of the potential clients, the concept foresees the reduction of subsidy level: early birds receive 70 % subsidy, while the second half could only count with 50 % subsidy. Entering a new market, this allows to provide a special incentive for the first clients. The farmers pay their own contributions on a PAYGO basis for a 24-months contract period. This means that farmers do not have to go into debt, but can gradually pay off their SPIS in instalments (e.g. after they have been able to generate money through crop sales).

Methodology of Data Collection

The data for this case study report was collected through a project document review, five qualitative interviews with representatives of GIZ, Practica, SolarWorks! Mozambique and two farmers, as well as and a quantitative survey among 50 training participants, 29 of whom responded (of which 24 % are women). In addition, the project monitors the financial impacts on the famers by IHE DELFT (Netherlands Water Research Education Institute). There were several rounds: an intake survey, continuous field visits throughout the cropping season, a final survey at the end of the first season and a more detailed evaluation of the profits with a limited number of surveyed farmers (8) over the full last season (2022). In addition, Practica conducted an impact assessment survey with 31 farmers (23 % of whom were women). Results of all surveys are presented below. The case study was conducted between March and August 2023.

Key Findings

Project Achievements

In total, 111 people were trained in different topics, including: agriculture, SPIS, drilling techniques and related topics. Of these, 50 were selected to take part in the survey, including 21 technicians trained in SPIS, 7 in drilling, and 22 extension workers and teachers trained in agriculture. The drilling companies have also been successfully equipped. 90 % of the training participants report in the survey that they are using the training knowledge they acquired in their respective jobs (see figure 1). The application of learned knowledge is also reflected in improved work performance (see figure 2). This gives reason to believe that the trainings were valuable in contributing to good quality installations, including the installations of the subsidised SPIS. 100 farmers have taken advantage of the incentives offered and are using the installed SPIS with maximum power of 360 W.

Of these, 50 purchased a SPIS with 70 % incentive vouchers and the remaining 50 bought the SPIS with 50 % incentive. All the farmers were trained on the use of the systems. According to interview partners the provision of the SPIS has been a game-changer for the crop production. Thanks to this innovative solution, farmers no longer have to rely on the tedious and time-consuming task of manually irrigating their crops using a can or bucket. The SPIS have saved farmers many hours of work and extended the scope of crop cultivation beyond what was previously possible. Thanks to the irrigation systems, horticulture crops such as bananas, papaya, and vegetables can now be easily cultivated.

Producers have started to focus on short-cycle vegetable crops like

lettuce, cabbage, kale, etc., which require more frequent watering.

Some crops require daily irrigation, or even twice a day during the

sunny season.

Apart from increased crop diversity, farmers can now also grow

crops year-round, even during the hot and dry seasons. A Practica

report reveals that 68 % of farmers use their SPIS frequently.

A financial evaluation of a full season was not possible, since the

solar pump was introduced mid-way or in some cases at the end

of the 2022 season. However, fuel costs still covered 14 % of the

seasonal input costs, indicating the significant contribution a solar

pump can make to reducing the running costs of the farm.

Most farmers in the study make an average profit of approximately

€ 1,050 over a dry season, with significant variation (between

€ 50 and € 3,000). The most profitable farm specialized in cash

crops, while the least profitable focused on subsistence farming.

The majority likely falls into the middle category with diversified

crops for income and own consumption.

In terms of payment the supplier offered flexible instalment

options. Most farmers chose to make payments every 3 months

(27 %) or 6 months (53 %), with amounts typically ranging between

€ 44 – 74 or € 74 –148, respectively. Initially, the first instalment

was often covered from personal savings, followed by income

from existing farm activities, while subsequent payments mainly

relied on farming income (88 %).

Intermediate Impact

Overall, the SPIS have been essential for enhancing agricultural

productivity. Thanks to the systems, farmers can now focus on

other aspects of their work, such as pest control and soil management,

instead of time-consuming manual irrigation. Those who

previously relied on generators for their irrigation needs, benefit

from significant cost savings. It enabled them to reduce production

costs related to fuel powered pumps. Fuel is quite expensive

and it is time-consuming to buy it on a regular basis. By replacing

the use of generators with a more efficient and cost-effective

system,

farmers are able to reduce their expenses and increase

their overall profitability. This switch has not only benefited

farmers financially, but has also had a positive impact on the

environment by reducing carbon emissions.

Interviewed end-users stated that the SPIS is leading to improved

overall well-being for themselves and their families. With the

ability to grow a wide range of vegetables, they can provide their

families with a more balanced and healthier diet.

Moreover, the income from the sale of these crops has helped

an interviewee’s family to meet basic needs such as health care

and education for their children.

At the time of the Case Study, comprehensive quantitative data

on the effect on farmer income was not yet available. However,

statements

from the qualitative interviews suggest that the

installation

of SPIS has improved reliable access to water and

the quality of life of farming families.

Although the training for technicians, drilling companies,

extension

workers and teachers of educational institutions

was primarily aimed at improving the quality of installations,

participants

noted improved professional qualification as an

individual benefit. Based on the findings of the survey, it has

been revealed that 31 % of trainees reported an increase in their

income due to improved professional qualification (figure 3).

Challenges in Project Implementation

Lessons Learned

Sustainability of the Intervention

Conclusion and Outlook

Further Information

Last edit made by Helen Mengs on 2024-04-29. This is a wiki, do not hesitate to update information by clicking on "Edit with form".

Key Data

Organisation
Duration
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Project Description
GBE Component
Country Component
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Location

Country
Mozambique




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