Solar irrigation boosts production for farmers in Afgoye, Somalia

Farmers in the Jarran village of the Afgoye district, located in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, are increasingly adopting solar-powered irrigation systems to combat rising fuel costs. By replacing fuel-driven pumps with solar technology, local producers are able to irrigate more frequently and consistently.

Mohamed Nur Isaq, a farmer managing four hectares, reported that his production has more than doubled since installing a solar system in January. Previously, high fuel prices—averaging $1 per litre—often forced him to delay irrigation, which negatively impacted crop health. Under the new system, he can irrigate at least twice a month, whereas he previously could only afford to do so once every two months.

Isaq’s recent harvest of vegetables and grains, including onions, tomatoes, maize, and beans, yielded approximately $3,000 in profit, more than twice his previous earnings with fuel-powered pumps. To finance the $4,600 solar system, he utilized farm savings and a loan, noting that the reduction in long-term operational costs has allowed him to save significantly more than in previous years.