Smallholder farmers in Central Ethiopia, Oromia, and the outskirts of Addis Abeba are turning to solar-powered irrigation to cut fuel costs, improve production and reduce their reliance on rainfall. In Akaki Kality, a 25-member vegetable cooperative expects to save about 1.24 million Br annually after replacing diesel pumps with solar irrigation. Six farmers in Ada’a Woreda, Oromia, project annual savings of almost 726,000 Br after replacing petrol-powered pumps. Farm Africa introduced the systems under its Nature-based Solutions programme, funded by Sweden’s Sida. Officials say solar irrigation offers a more reliable alternative to rainfall-dependent farming while shielding producers from fuel shortages and price spikes. Farm Africa Ethiopia Country Director Shewit Emmanuel said high fuel costs and scarcity have severely affected productivity and food security in recent years.

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