Abstract
{ "background": "Persistent drought and water scarcity in the Sahel necessitate innovative, low-cost irrigation solutions to enhance agricultural resilience. While various small-scale systems have been promoted, a comprehensive engineering comparison of their long-term performance and sustainability in this harsh environment is lacking.", "purpose and objectives": "This study comparatively evaluates the technical performance, durability, and water-use efficiency of two prevalent low-cost irrigation technologies—manual drip kits and photovoltaic pump-fed systems—deployed in the Sahelian region.", "methodology": "A longitudinal field-based comparative study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. Technical performance data (flow rates, uniformity, pump efficiency) and failure modes were systematically monitored across multiple sites. Sustainability was assessed via life-cycle cost analysis and farmer interviews. Performance was modelled using a generalised linear mixed model: $Y{ij} = \\beta0 + \\beta1 X{1ij} + \\beta2 X{2ij} + uj + \\epsilon{ij}$, where $u_j$ represents random site effects.", "findings": "Solar-pump systems demonstrated superior hydraulic consistency and labour efficiency, but exhibited higher vulnerability to component degradation, with a 32% higher incidence of major pump or controller failure over the study period. Drip systems showed lower initial performance but greater robustness and reparability. The cost-benefit ratio for solar systems was significantly favourable only at scales above 0.5 hectares (95% CI: 0.42, 0.58).", "conclusion": "The optimal irrigation technology is contingent upon plot scale, local technical capacity, and capital availability. Neither system proved universally superior; each presents a distinct compromise between performance, durability, and cost.", "recommendations": "Design improvements should focus on modularity and locally serviceable components for solar systems. Policy and funding mechanisms must be tailored to specific farm scales, integrating technical training with phased capital support.", "key words": "appropriate technology, water-use efficiency, photovoltaic pumping, smallholder agriculture