Solar-powered irrigation service launched to support smallholder farmers
Smallholder farmers struggling with unpredictable rainfall now have a new tool aimed at stabilising food production and income, following the launch of a solar-powered irrigation service by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
The service, called IRRILINE, combines solar irrigation technology with digital advisory support to help farmers make informed decisions about water use. Developed in collaboration with Farmerline and Pumptech, the system is designed to guide farmers on when to irrigate, how much water to apply, and how to reduce waste, while lowering dependence on fuel-powered pumps.
Unveiled in Accra on Friday, the initiative targets long-standing challenges faced by farmers, particularly in northern Ghana, where climate variability and erratic rainfall continue to disrupt farming cycles. According to IWMI Project Manager Dr Sander Zwart, the move toward irrigation offers farmers the opportunity to grow crops multiple times a year, but only when water access and support systems are dependable.
He explained that the system was built to go beyond equipment supply by linking farmers to technical guidance, financing options, and markets through a single digital service.
The platform also addresses the cost barrier associated with irrigation. Farmerline Senior Business and Account Manager Marvin Nii Adom Armah said the service allows farmers to access solar-powered pumps and irrigation systems through flexible payment arrangements, including gradual payments tied to farm produce.
He noted that the advisory component of the service is customised to local conditions, factoring in soil characteristics, land layout, and crop water needs to promote efficient use of water resources.
Farmers can access support by dialing 399 on any network to receive irrigation advice in their local language through an interactive voice system, with follow-up assistance from trained agents. For farmers without reliable water sources, the partners will also provide borehole assessments and drilling support.
IWMI Africa Director for Research and Impact Dr Olufunke Cofie said the launch aligns with the institute’s broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve water management across the continent.
She added that IWMI works across more than 30 African countries, supporting governments and farming communities to manage water resources more effectively in the face of climate change.
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