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Solar for all: A framework to deliver inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar irrigation for smallholder agriculture

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  • Lefore, Nicole
  • Closas, Alvar
  • Schmitter, Petra

Abstract

Worldwide, off-grid solar photovoltaic irrigation is currently being developed with the expectation that it will help secure water access to increase food production, reduce fuel-based carbon emissions and energy costs, and increase human resilience to climate change. In developing countries across the Middle East and North Africa, South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, the adoption of solar technology in agriculture to lift groundwater is rapidly expanding, following decreases in pump costs, economic incentives, and development partner initiatives. Solar irrigation potentially provides a cost-effective and sustainable energy source to secure food production and sustain livelihoods in line with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, but achieving such potential requires improved policies and institutions to coordinate across numerous stakeholders, objectives, and approaches. This paper uses cases and observations from across regions to propose a framework to support policy, regulation, and monitoring for environmentally sustainable and socio-economically inclusive solar irrigation investments. While not exhaustive, the components seek to address the intersection of energy, water and food security, as well as social equity. The paper emphasizes the need for an understanding of how solar irrigation can be scaled to be both accessible for smallholder farmers and environmentally sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • Lefore, Nicole & Closas, Alvar & Schmitter, Petra, 2021. "Solar for all: A framework to deliver inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar irrigation for smallholder agriculture," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:154:y:2021:i:c:s0301421521001828
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112313
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Juan Ignacio Herraiz & Rita Hogan Almeida & Manuel Castillo-Cagigal & Luis Narvarte, 2023. "Experimental Performance Evaluation of a PV-Powered Center-Pivot Irrigation System for a Three-Year Operation Period," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-19, April.
    4. Illiassou Naroua & Abdoulkadri Laouali & Abdoulsalam Koroney, 2022. "Technical Feasibility Of Using Solar Energy In Smallscale Irrigation In Tillabéri, Niger Republic," International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, Malwa International Journals Publication, vol. 8(6), December.
    5. Magalhaes, M. & Ringler, C. & Verma, Shilp & Schmitter, Petra, 2021. "Accelerating rural energy access for agricultural transformation: contribution of the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate cri," IWMI Books, Reports H050910, International Water Management Institute.
    6. Edward B. Barbier, 2023. "Overcoming digital poverty traps in rural Asia," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(3), pages 1403-1420, August.
    7. Nikolaos Nagkoulis & Eva Loukogeorgaki & Michela Ghislanzoni, 2022. "Genetic Algorithms-Based Optimum PV Site Selection Minimizing Visual Disturbance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-19, October.
    8. Charmaine Samala Guno & Casper Boongaling Agaton, 2022. "Socio-Economic and Environmental Analyses of Solar Irrigation Systems for Sustainable Agricultural Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, June.
    9. Nakaishi, Tomoaki & Chapman, Andrew & Kagawa, Shigemi, 2022. "Shedding Light on the energy-related social equity of nations toward a just transition," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).

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