Farmers have called on the Federal Government to subsidise solar-powered irrigation systems to boost agricultural productivity and ensure year-round farming, amid the growing impact of a climate change on food security.
The call followed a research conducted by climate change-focused non-governmental organisation, YELF Climate Trust Foundation, among 10,500 smallholder farmers in Kebbi State. Findings from the study revealed that although 99.51 per cent of respondents are aware of Solar-powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS), fewer than 29.96 per cent currently use the technology.
The Chief Executive Officer of YELF Climate Trust Foundation, Mr Ethel Okosuns, said the organisation embarked on an in-depth research initiative across the 19 northern states of Nigeria. He noted that baseline studies are currently ongoing in five states: Bauchi, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Kano, with the aim of building a comprehensive database for five million smallholder farmers in the region.
Okosuns explained that in Kebbi State, the baseline study was conducted in communities within Argungu and Augie local councils.
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According to the findings, 70.24 per cent of SPIS users reported a significant increase in income, largely due to higher crop yields, recorded by 74.07 per cent of users, and lower operational costs, cited by 33.89 per cent.
The study also showed that 76.23 per cent of SPIS users experienced increased savings compared to when they relied on other energy sources and irrigation methods. Additionally, 57.37 per cent of farmers used their increased income to expand farming activities, with positive implications for food security, while 40.47 per cent invested surplus earnings in their children’s education, indicating the potential for improved school enrolment in the communities.
However, the report identified high upfront costs as the major barrier to SPIS adoption, with 79.57 per cent of respondents citing initial investment costs, while 39.29 per cent pointed to limited access to financing options. This, according to the foundation, reinforces existing evidence that smallholder farmers face significant challenges in accessing credit and financial support.
On climate change awareness, the study found that 62.28 per cent of respondents observed rising temperatures, while 50.98 per cent reported increased flooding. About 93.71 per cent believe SPIS supports climate change adaptation by providing a reliable water supply and reducing dependence on rain-fed agriculture. In contrast, awareness of other climate-smart practices remains low, with only 15.13 per cent aware of adaptation approaches and 14.15 per cent recognising crop rotation as a climate-smart practice.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
