Aner launches solar pumping project for Senegalese farmers

The Agence nationale des énergies renouvelables (Aner) has launched an initiative to deploy solar pumping systems to improve water access for farmers in Senegal. During a consultation workshop held at the Centre interprofessionnel pour la formation aux métiers de l’agriculture (Cifa) in Ndiaye Mberess, stakeholders discussed using photovoltaic technology to reduce agricultural production costs.

Aner Director General Diouma Kobor noted that high energy and water costs make it difficult for local producers to compete with imported goods, such as rice. The agency aims to facilitate access to solar pumping and develop solar-powered cold storage for product preservation. To address high initial investment barriers, Aner is working with financial institutions and authorities to make equipment accessible through monthly costs that are lower than fuel or traditional electricity bills, without requiring upfront capital.