Improving agricultural water management (AWM) is critical to increasing and ensuring food security and improved nutrition, especially given expected growing food demands and climate variability. A key component of AWM is ensuring that technologies and practices are sustainable, without the need for continued public funding. This report is the first in a series on business investment opportunities in AWM that offers conclusions on an adapted business model framework that considers returns for profit and socioeconomic development.
Additionally, a new methodology for mapping the suitability of solar energy based irrigation pumps is included within the scenario based report.
Through an analysis of potential gains and benefits, the scenarios suggest that direct purchase of solar pumps by farmers is feasible, and that out-grower schemes and pump supplier options with bundled financing offer promising solutions. The report offers development actors and investors evidence-based information on the suitability and sustainability of solar pump irrigation and Ethiopia, while also providing suggestions as to how smallholders can invest in individually owned, smallholder photovoltaic (PV) solar pumps.
To learn more, please view our technical brief on Mapping the suitability of solar energy-based irrigation pumps in Ethiopia or read the full report on Business model scenarios and suitability.
Miriam Otoo is a trained agricultural economist at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), specializing in issues related to economics of waste reuse, business development and entrepreneurship, agricultural markets and productivity in developing countries.
Petra is an Agriculture Water Management Specialist working at the International Water Management Institute's Myanmar office. She specializes in catchment hydrology, urban hydrology & water sensitive urban design, irrigated and rainfed agricultural systems, land use change, water management and productivity, water quality, tracers, and biogeochemical fluxes.
International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2018. Mapping the suitability of solar energy-based irrigation pumps in Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 4p.