Scaling the Distribution of Tailored Agro-Solar Irrigation Kits to Smallholder Farmers
Project title
Scaling the Distribution of Tailored Agro-Solar Irrigation Kits to Smallholder Farmers
Project country/region
☐ East Asia & Pacific
☐ Europe & Central Asia
☐ Latin America & The Carribean
☐ Middle East & North Africa
☐ North America
☐ South Asia
☑ Sub-Saharan Africa - Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
Project organisation
SunCulture (Kenya)
Project description
CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTION
The SunCulture AgroSolar Irrigation Kit combines cost-effective solar pumping technology with a high-efficiency drip irrigation system to make it cheaper and easier for farmers to grow. The kit pulls water from any water source (lake, river, stream, well, borehole, water harvester, etc.) using solar power. The solar panels provide the pump’s electricity directly without the need for expensive batteries or inverters. Water is pumped into a raised water storage tank during the day. When irrigation takes place during the evening, a valve on the water tank is opened and water flows down through a filtration system and onto crop root zones via drip irrigation tape.
IMPACT
As a result of switching to solar irrigation, smallholder farmers will realize significant benefits. These benefits include increased production of higher value produce, cost savings, and more efficient use of time. Time saved on farming and water gathering can be directed to other more productive activities.
ORGANIZATION
SunCulture, based in Nairobi, Kenya, sells the AgroSolar Irrigation Kit (ASIK), an entirely solar-powered drip irrigation system that makes it easier and cheaper for farmers to grow a wide variety of crops. The kit combines solar water pumping technology with high-efficiency drip irrigation and includes everything a farmer needs to grow more while spending less, in a sustainable and energy-efficient way. REEEP, as a project partner, will provide information and knowledge management support.
SunCulture (Kenya) participated successfully in the PAEGC Initiative (https://poweringag.org/) and was with its project 'Scaling the Distribution of Tailored Agro-Solar Irrigation Kits to Smallholder Farmers' among the winners of 2015.
Project related to following sources of energy
☑ Solar
☐ Biomass
☐ Biofuel
☐ Biogas
☐ Wind
☐ Geo-Thermal
☐ Hydro
☐ Energy Efficiency
☐ Other: /
Project primarily related to the following Commodity Groups
☐ Cereals
☐ Fruits and vegetables
☐ Nuts and berries
☐ Forage
☐ Dairy products
☐ Meat products
☐ Oil Seeds
☐ Roots and Tubers
☐ Eggs
☐ Pulses
☐ Fiber Crops
☐ Forestry
☐ Sugars
☐ Stimulants
☐ Spices
☑ Other: Horticulture
Project primarily related to the following Agricultural Value Chain Steps
☐ Mechanization
☑ Efficiency of Operation
☐ Processing
☐ Transportation
☐ Controlled Atmosphere
☐ Controlled Temperature
☐ Mechanical Sorting
☐ Preservation
☑ Other: Irrigation
Additional Links
https://energypedia.info/wiki/Kenya_Energy_Situation https://energypedia.info/wiki/Tanzania_Energy_Situation https://energypedia.info/wiki/Uganda_Energy_Situation https://energypedia.info/wiki/Zambia_Energy_Situation
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