The REA and CESEL have partnered to launch a solar irrigation project that will deploy systems across 200,000 hectares of farmland in Nigeria over the next four years. The project aims to increase agricultural productivity and replace fossil fuel-powered pumps with clean energy alternatives.
Solar Irrigation Project to Boost Nigeria’s Food Security
In a bold step toward tackling food insecurity in Nigeria, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Community Energy Social Enterprise Limited (CESEL) have partnered to launch an ambitious solar irrigation project. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable energy use nationwide.
Over the next four years, the partnership will deploy solar irrigation systems across 200,000 hectares of farmland nationwide. This project leverages the REA’s Productive Use of Equipment (PUE) framework, a strategy designed to encourage the use of renewable energy technologies in various productive sectors.
The solar irrigation project is expected to substantially impact Nigeria’s agricultural output. According to a joint statement from REA and CESEL, the deployment of these systems could lead to an annual increase of 1.2 million tons in grain and crop production. This increase would be a critical contribution to addressing the ongoing food security challenges in the country, particularly as the population continues to grow.
In addition to increasing food production, the project is expected to generate significant cost savings for farmers. By transitioning from fossil fuel-powered pumps to solar-powered systems, the project could save an estimated N413 billion in fossil fuel purchases. This shift will also dislodge approximately 412,800 cubic meters of fossil fuels, reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural activities across the nation.
Government Support and Strategic Importance
The launch of the solar irrigation project has received strong support from the Nigerian government. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Managing Director of REA highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the government’s broader efforts to address food security and promote sustainable development.
“By harnessing solar energy for agriculture, we are creating a win-win situation for farmers, the environment, and the nation,” said Aliyu. He further emphasised the long-term importance of the partnership, likening it to a marriage agreement due to its potential to drive significant change in the agricultural sector.
The launch of the solar irrigation project comes at a time when the Nigerian government is increasingly focused on addressing food security concerns. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling these challenges and reducing the cost of living for Nigerians.
In his remarks, President Tinubu underscored the importance of achieving long-term food self-sufficiency. “We will continue to drive local production and ensure that we produce what we eat and use locally,” he stated. The solar irrigation project is a key component of this strategy, as it seeks to increase local food production while reducing the agricultural sector’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Job Creation and Rural Empowerment
The collaboration between REA and CESEL is also expected to have a positive impact on job creation and rural empowerment. Patrick Tolani, CEO of CESEL expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting its potential to create new opportunities for employment and economic growth in rural communities across Nigeria.
By providing farmers with access to solar-powered irrigation systems, the project will help to increase agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in some of the country’s most underserved regions. This focus on rural empowerment is critical to ensuring that the benefits of the project are felt by those who need it most.
Agricultural solar systems
The REA and CESEL solar irrigation project represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to address food insecurity and promote sustainable development. As Nigeria continues to confront the challenges of a growing population and climate change, initiatives like this will be essential to building a more resilient and prosperous future.