African Water Resources Management (Environmental/Earth Science)

Advancing Scholarship Across the Continent

Vol. 2007 No. 1 (2007)

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Revenue Growth and Profitability of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems among Smallholder Women Farmers in Malawi

Kasimbi Simba, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Chinyengozi Kaliko, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Malawi Namwale Zulu, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18845883
Published: May 3, 2007

Abstract

Solar-powered irrigation systems have been introduced to enhance agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in Malawi. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys and interviews to gather data from 150 smallholder women farmers across Malawi. Statistical analyses were conducted using software such as SPSS. Solar-powered irrigation systems led to an average revenue growth of 35% among participating women farmers, with a notable increase in water usage efficiency by 20% compared to traditional methods. The study underscores the economic benefits of solar-powered irrigation for smallholder women farmers in Malawi, highlighting improved profitability and sustainability. Policy-makers should support further adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems through incentives and infrastructure development. Women farmer associations can play a crucial role in promoting technology uptake and training.

How to Cite

Kasimbi Simba, Chinyengozi Kaliko, Namwale Zulu (2007). Revenue Growth and Profitability of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems among Smallholder Women Farmers in Malawi. African Water Resources Management (Environmental/Earth Science), Vol. 2007 No. 1 (2007). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18845883

Keywords

African DevelopmentSmallholder AgricultureMixed-Methods ResearchSolar Energy EconomicsWomen's EmpowermentAgricultural ProductivityEconomic Growth Analysis

References