African Local Governance Journal (Public Admin/Political | 04 August 2010
Solar-Powered Irrigation in Semi-Arid Ethiopia: Economic Viability and Technological Adaptation Assessments
F, i, k, r, u, A, s, m, e, r, o, m, ,, G, a, b, e, r, M, e, n, g, i, s, t, e, a, b, ,, Z, e, r, i, h, u, n, B, e, y, e, n, e, ,, K, e, t, e, m, a, G, o, s, h, u
Abstract
Solar-powered irrigation systems are increasingly being deployed in semi-arid regions of Ethiopia to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews was employed to assess system performance and user acceptance. Solar energy generated an average of 20% more than initially anticipated, significantly reducing operational costs for farmers in the region. The study concludes that solar-powered irrigation systems are economically viable and technologically adaptable for semi-arid Ethiopian farming communities. Government policies should prioritise subsidies and training programmes to facilitate wider adoption of these technologies.