Keeping the Water Flowing: Ethiopia’s Farmers Turn to Solar

Farmers in the Dasenech Woreda of Ethiopia’s Debub Omo Zone are increasingly adopting solar-powered irrigation systems to support their agricultural production. The transition is exemplified by local residents such as Dereje Teha, a mother of seven who has utilized irrigation for nearly four years to cultivate crops including millet and maize.

This shift toward solar technology provides a sustainable water management solution for families in the region, allowing them to diversify their livelihoods alongside traditional practices like cattle herding. By securing a reliable water supply, these farmers are better positioned to maintain consistent crop yields for their households.