Nigeria has an agriculture-based economy. The contribution of agriculture to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023 was 23.78% according to the Nigerian Minister of Rural and Agricultural Development. The sector also employs 35% of the country’s labor force [FAO 2020]. Nigeria’s agricultural productivity is limited mainly by outdated irrigation methods. Modern systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, are hindered by the country’s unreliable electricity supply.

This case study will discuss Nigeria’s electricity and irrigation problems. It will also discuss the idea that solved it: solar irrigation. We will also discuss how it was done and what it yielded.

Nigeria has a total land mass of 92.4 million hectares, of which 82 million hectares are arable. But, due to certain barriers, Nigeria has yet to achieve self-sufficiency in food. The country’s net import bill in 2023 was 2.281 trillion Naira, double that of exports. The demand-supply gap for agricultural goods is clear. So, why is it happening?

The Nigerian agriculture sector is riddled with issues that hinder its potential. However, optimizing production and reaching its full output potential can help immensely. The biggest hurdles for the country to reach that production level are a few. But none is as impactful and essential as irrigation. Outdated practices arise when looking for the barriers to agricultural production in Nigeria. Going deeper, one can find that minimal irrigation is one of the critical points. 

Nigerian farmers have long been using traditional irrigation methods. Surface, Furrow, Flood, Shadoof, and Bamboo Drip are some of those techniques. However, these methods require updates and have several limitations. One of the reasons for using traditional techniques is the use of technology. Modern systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, require the availability of a critical component. The component that Nigeria has been struggling to provide electricity.

The shift towards modern irrigation systems has been ongoing for a long time. However, during this process, the most significant challenge faced was the availability of electricity. Modern irrigation is already in use in Nigeria. Methods like rainguns, spray pipes, and center pivot irrigation systems are the future. However, their implementation requires high amounts of electricity. 

Nigeria has faced a problem with electricity and is still facing it today. Eighty-three million Nigerians still lack access to grid electricity [WB 2021]. With this vast energy deficit, having access to electricity in rural areas is even more challenging. Thus, limited access to reliable electricity for irrigation started impacting crop production.

The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (NREA) has spearheaded the solution to the challenge. NREA was set up by Section 88 of the EPSR Act 2005 and began its services in 2006. Since its start, the NREA has been focusing on two things. They are sustainable energy and reaching rural areas. This focus has contributed to the shift towards renewable energies, such as solar energy. It has also helped reach rural areas. In these rural areas, most farmers struggle for electricity for irrigation. 

The NREA helped these small farmers by providing them with solar-powered pumps. 

Future Pump, a British-Indian company, designed these pumps for land areas of up to 2 acres. NREA partnered with Future Pump to provide these pumps all over Nigeria. The partnership began in 2022, when a goal of distributing 1,600 pumps was set. The pumps were to be distributed to the existing FADAMA program in Nigeria. This partnered project between NREA and Future Pump is contributing to food security.

This project has had a framework for implementation from the start. This framework includes a few steps that are mentioned below:

1. The very first step was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The NREA signed this MoU with FADAMA to provide electricity in rural areas. They were to identify places where there was scarcity and give accordingly.
2. The second step was to target areas within Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The areas were chosen because they were suitable for surface water irrigation. The installation teams helped set up pumps in these areas.
3. The third step was to educate and train these farmers to use solar-powered pumps. They were provided with training on solar panels, pump mechanics, and troubleshooting. Capacity-building workshops helped to empower the farmers.
4. The fourth step was to track the pumps and the farmers closely and regularly. The maintenance team provided support when necessary and gathered timely feedback. The support team conducted regular check-ins with the farmers.
5. The fifth and final step of implementation was community engagement. Collaboration among farmers and the sharing of their experiences was ensured. Community-based organizations play a role in promoting sustainable practices.

The impact of solar-powered irrigation has yet to reach its peak, but it is in the process of doing so. Significant change is already being seen in places dominated by solar-powered electricity. Yobe, Kebbi, and Sokoto have the most solar-powered irrigation. Due to their geographical location, grid electricity rarely reaches these places. This is why the onset of a new kind of technology has made it more acceptable. 

The other impact of using these solar-powered pumps is the increase in production. Solar-powered irrigation is profitable in 95% of Nigerian regions [IFPRI 2022]. If utilized correctly, an increase of USD 19 billion to the GDP is possible. Thus, implementing solar-powered irrigation has set the base for a bright future. Nigeria should capitalize on this base and reshape its agricultural industry. 

The first step towards change was to recognize the need for a change in the agriculture sector. Nigeria has not only successfully done it. They have also implemented the base for a solar-powered irrigation system in Nigeria. This represents a pivotal stride towards sustainable agriculture. By harnessing the sun’s energy, it has offered a solution to the challenges posed by fuel-based irrigation. The results have been promising so far. Increased crop yields, reduced costs, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.

The journey forward requires financial, technical, and educational support. To ensure that the benefits of solar irrigation reach the vast number of farmers. Nigeria continues to expand its use of solar-powered irrigation. The potential for transforming its agricultural landscape is immense. This initiative supports the livelihoods of Nigeria’s farmers. It also contributes to the broader economic and environmental goals.