NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

By Soumya Balasubramanya

Solar-powered groundwater irrigation is growing quickly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Over the last ten years, South Asia has seen the installation of more than 500,000 small standalone pumps, while in Sub-Saharan Africa, solar pumps are becoming a crucial technology for expanding irrigated agriculture. These solar pumps hold significant potential to meet the increasing energy needs of impoverished farmers in LMICs. Studies from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa indicate that standalone solar pumps lead to improvements in food production, food security, and livelihoods—essential factors for reducing poverty. 

Photo courtesy of IWMI Flickr Photos.