Climate Change Forces Farmers To Demand Solar-Powered Irrigation Support
Climate Pressure Pushes Farmers Toward Solar Irrigation
AS climate change continues to disrupt rainfall patterns and threaten food security across Nigeria, smallholder farmers are urging the Federal Government to subsidise solar-powered irrigation systems as a practical solution for sustaining agricultural production year-round.
The call follows a comprehensive research conducted by climate-focused non-governmental organisation, YELF Climate Trust Foundation, among 10,500 smallholder farmers in Kebbi State. The findings paint a clear picture of awareness without access — and opportunity limited by cost.
High Awareness, Low Adoption
According to the study, an overwhelming 99.51 per cent of farmers surveyed were aware of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS). Yet, despite this near-universal awareness, fewer than 29.96 per cent currently use the technology.
This gap, researchers say, underscores a critical policy challenge: farmers know the solution, but cannot afford it.
The Chief Executive Officer of YELF Climate Trust Foundation, Mr. Ethel Okosuns, explained that the Kebbi findings are part of a wider research initiative covering the 19 northern states of Nigeria. Baseline studies are currently underway in Bauchi, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Kano, with the goal of building a regional database for up to five million smallholder farmers.
In Kebbi State, the research focused on farming communities in Argungu and Augie local government areas, where irrigation plays a central role in dry-season agriculture.
Clear Economic Benefits for Users
For farmers already using SPIS, the benefits are substantial. The study revealed that 70.24 per cent of SPIS users recorded a significant increase in income. This improvement was largely driven by higher crop yields — reported by 74.07 per cent of users — and reduced operational costs, cited by 33.89 per cent.
Additionally, 76.23 per cent of SPIS users said they were able to save more money compared to when they relied on diesel pumps or rain-fed farming. These savings, the report noted, have ripple effects beyond farming.
About 57.37 per cent of respondents used their increased income to expand their farming operations, while 40.47 per cent invested surplus earnings in their children’s education — an indicator of potential long-term social benefits in rural communities.
Climate Change Already Felt on the Fields
Farmers surveyed reported clear signs of climate change. 62.28 per cent observed rising temperatures, while 50.98 per cent experienced increased flooding. Nearly 94 per cent agreed that SPIS supports climate adaptation by providing reliable water access and reducing dependence on increasingly unpredictable rainfall.
However, awareness of broader climate-smart agricultural practices remains low. Only 15.13 per cent of respondents were familiar with climate adaptation approaches, and just 14.15 per cent recognised crop rotation as a climate-smart method.
Cost Remains the Biggest Barrier
Despite the benefits, the study identified high upfront costs as the main obstacle to adoption. About 79.57 per cent of farmers cited the initial investment required for SPIS, while 39.29 per cent pointed to limited access to financing.
As a result, 88.2 per cent of respondents expressed strong interest in government subsidies.
According to the foundation, targeted financial support, affordable credit schemes and climate-smart agricultural policies could dramatically increase food production, reduce Nigeria’s reliance on food imports and strengthen rural livelihoods.
