Harnessing renewable energy to revolutionise agriculture in Africa

The current era of agriculture in Africa is characterised by the development of unconventional sources of energy, including renewable energy, finding the sector on the verge of yet another revolution.

Although generally acknowledged, the agriculture sector’s actual contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is still an insufficiently comprehended reality.

Until the last estimates, land-use alterations, forestry, agriculture and associated activities account for a startling share of more than one-quarter of global GHG emissions.

Unfortunately, these emissions are set to increase along with the rising need for food unless serious action is made to address this situation.

Over the past 50 years, the agriculture sector has seen significant and dramatic development.

A paradigm shift brought about by significant advances in technology has increased the size, productivity and speed of farm equipment.

This has made it possible to cultivate greater plots of land more effectively, which is a huge advancement, particularly for agriculture-based economies like in Africa.

Farmers now use mechanised tools and machinery to increase agricultural production and satisfy the world’s expanding demand that consumes a good deal of energy and fuel.

Let’s go deeper into the topic of new energy in agriculture and see how the sector and renewable energy sources interact in complex ways which could be revolutionary for Africa.

In this story of the agricultural revolution, the promise of renewable energy demands substantial consideration as their integration from sources available in the farmland itself can result in multifaceted benefits.

Renewable energy sources offer a priceless chance to attain sustainability and reduce operating costs as we strive to reinvent farming methods.

Many countries in Africa have realised the potential of solar energy and have put in place initiatives to encourage its usage by the farming community.

National programmes to assist the use of solar technology in various agricultural fields have been pioneered by countries like Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.

Have you read?African farmers using solar-powered dryers to increase crop yield

Irrigation systems, for example, may be powered by solar energy, decreasing reliance on traditional energy sources and enabling more effective water management.

For instance, the Solar Irrigation Programme in Uganda started in 2013, offered financial aid for solar-powered irrigation systems and decreased reliance on erratic rainfall patterns.

Farmers may maximise their post-harvest operations by harnessing the sun’s rays, increasing agricultural yields while preserving this vital resource.

Kenya’s Solar Water Heating Programme, for instance, was launched in 2010 and offered financial assistance to farmers to purchase solar water heaters.

The Off-grid Solar Market Development Programme, launched in Ghana in 2011, made it easier to install solar dryers and panels in rural locations. The scheme made the utilisation of solar energy to dry agricultural products possible for marginal farmers, lowering post-harvest losses and improving their income potential.

Solar energy has recently been a game-changer for agriculture and has been used to address important issues faced by farmers throughout Africa.

Electricity has turned into an indispensable form of energy in all sectors including in agriculture and allied sectors promoting the use of PVC panels.

Additionally, installing solar panels may give farmers access to a dependable and eco-friendly energy source for running farm equipment and continuing crucial agricultural processes.For instance, Tanzania’s Solar Home Systems Programme, launched in 2012, offered subsidies for solar home systems, enabling rural communities to access clean electricity.

This initiative enhanced productivity by powering agricultural equipment, providing lighting for extended working hours and supporting the use of modern technologies in farming practices.

Have you read?Solar-agri projects to be launched in 10 African countries

Recognising the immense potential of solar energy in transforming agriculture, international organisations have also joined the efforts to drive change in African countries.

The African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative, launched in 2015, aims to deploy 10 gigawatts of solar power in the Sahel region by 2030.

This ambitious project seeks to provide electricity to rural communities, power the agricultural operation and enable the development of value chains.

In addition to mentioned government initiatives, there are also several NGOs that are working to promote the adoption of solar water pumps in African hinterlands.

For instance, the Practical Action Group has assisted in training over 100,000 farmers to utilise solar water pumps in covering mostly rural areas. Likewise, the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) has assisted in installing solar water pumps in over 1 million houses in the African Savanna region.

Biomass conversion methods may be used to generate bioenergy from organic waste materials including agricultural leftovers and animal wastes. This procedure lessens the environmental impact of agricultural activities while simultaneously producing renewable energy and providing a sustainable waste management solution.

Additionally, there is tremendous potential for wind energy in the agricultural sector of many African countries. Installing wind turbines can also aid in the production of clean, renewable power making operations easier.

Artificial intelligence, analytics, networked sensors and other emerging technologies have an awful lot of potential to progress agriculture to previously unheard-of levels.

Such ground-breaking advancements have the power to boost the technology even further and maximise how vital resources like water and solar energy are used.

As these efforts continue to scale up, solar energy is expected to drive agricultural growth, food security and rural development in Africa all the way.

Have you read?Nigeria to launch cassava biomass project for renewable energy generation

In light of the ongoing agricultural revolution around the world, let us acknowledge and utilise the transformative power of renewable energy within Africa.

We can usher in a new era of resilient farming systems by seamlessly integrating renewable energy solutions into farming practices. Working together to plant the seeds of change while pushing renewable energy carefully can foster a paradigm shift in agriculture.

By embracing the potential of renewable energy sources, Africa can align with the principles of sustainability, resilience and environmental stewardship.

Such advancements not only help farmers maximise resource use and cut expenses, but they also help to combat climate change and provide a better future for future generations.

Additionally, the excess energy produced by on-farm renewable energy sources may be sent back into the power grid, giving farmers the chance to start their own energy businesses. ESI

About the authorNikhil Kaitwade is Associate Vice President for Market Research at Future Market Insights, ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI).

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