Tuesday 2nd February, 2021 Nairobi: Ifarm360, Ennos and Epicenter Africa partner to support smallholder farmers with award winning solar technology in a bid to accelerate food security, climate action and end poverty.
Over 90% of Kenyan farmers heavily rely on rain-fed agriculture or use outdated farm irrigation methods like manual flooding and furrows. Only 4% of Africa’s arable land is under irrigation compared to 60% in Asia. Solar irrigation technology offers the greatest hope for these farmers. With a solar kit, a small-scale farmer can farm up to 3 cycles a year, increase yields by 300%+ and earn up to $14,000 (Ksh. 1,400,000) in annualized household income.
However, farmers struggle with the high cost of acquisition, lack of availability, and lack of a sustainable financing model.
Through its crowdfunding platform and farmer network, ifarm360 seeks to mobilize resources to support installation of over 1000 solar kits in the first phase of the project. Ennos, an award winning Swiss based solar technology manufacturer is working on design and technology that will ensure that the 1000 solar kits are working for the Kenyan farmers. Epicenter Africa, a renowned solar and energy solutions provider and distributor will support local farmers with access, installation and technology support for the solar kits.
