Creating an enabling environment for solar irrigation ownership in Nigeria

Agriculture contributes nearly 25% of Nigeria’s GDP and employs about 70% of the labor force; however, most farming relies on rainfed systems, which are vulnerable to climate change and erratic rainfall (Taiwo, 2020). While large-scale irrigation has historically received the most investment in the years past, smallholder farmer-led irrigation—particularly in lowlands and groundwater-rich inland valleys—holds significant promise. In this approach, farmers manage water resources, plan investments, and adopt accessible technologies, with solar-powered irrigation well-suited to meet energy needs sustainably.

This review examines the technical, economic, and systemic barriers to the adoption of solar-powered irrigation in Nigeria, evaluating farmers’ willingness and capacity to invest, and drawing lessons from successful models in sub-Saharan Africa. The analytical framework integrates assessments of the physical environment (climate, solar radiation, water, and land use), institutional factors (policies, governance, gender inclusion, and support programs), and the solar irrigation supply chain (from global manufacturing to local services). Farmer investment behavior and systemic constraints are considered to identify sustainable ownership models, including individual, cooperative, pay-as-you-go, and public-private partnerships.

Findings highlight Nigeria’s abundant solar and groundwater resources, particularly in the north, making solar-powered irrigation a cost-effective and climate-resilient option that can improve crop yields, enhance food security, and boost rural incomes while reducing environmental harm. Government incentives, innovative financing, and local value chain development offer further opportunities.

However, high upfront costs, credit access limitations, fragmented supply chains, weak after-sales support, policy inconsistencies, poor rural infrastructure, knowledge gaps, and social barriers—especially for women and youth—constrain adoption. To scale effectively, two pathways emerge: private-sector-led flexible financing and risk-sharing, combined with government-driven awareness, extension, subsidies, tariff reforms, and improvements in land tenure. Co-designed, evidence-based approaches with farmers are crucial for promoting inclusivity, attracting investment, and enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

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