Solar power boosts farm income in southern Somalia

Farmers in Jarran village, Afgoye district, Somalia, are increasing their crop yields and profits by switching to solar-powered irrigation.

Rising fuel costs had made irrigating farms expensive for these farmers who rely on the Shabelle River. Mohamed Nur Isaq, a farmer with a four-hectare farm, reported more than doubling his production after installing a solar system in January. Isaq previously spent $100 to $150 per irrigation cycle, sometimes delaying watering due to financial constraints.

Now, he irrigates twice a month and earned $3,000 from his June harvest of onions, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, coriander, maize and beans, more than double his earnings with fuel-powered pumps. He financed the $4,600 solar system with a loan and has already repaid $1,000, saving about $1,700 from his recent profits. Mohamed Abdi Hassan, another farmer, also saw a reduction in costs after switching to solar power in March.

He previously spent $300 to $500 per irrigation cycle but has spent nothing on irrigation since. Abdullahi Ali Mire, the chairman of the farmers’ association in Jarran, said that 90 farmers are currently using solar systems and noted improvements in agricultural production. He encouraged wider adoption, calling for investment, training, and support to expand access to clean energy for farmers in the region.