This led to Aptech Africa identifying the need for smaller solar-powered water pumps.
However, most small-scale water pumps are still outside the price range of what an average farmer can afford.
“A 500W solar water pump and irrigation solution using smart technology to offer PAYGo water-as-a-service to small-scale farmers.”
The PAY-N-PUMP solution combines the use of mobile technology with remote access and monitoring enabling farmers to invest in the solar-powered pump with an affordable down payment. The farmers then pay installments aligned with the local harvest season to activate the pumping system. With 83 systems currently in the field, one case study saw a 250% increase in crop yields.
Other benefits for farmers include reduced manual work and improved expenditure of time, enhanced crop resilience, and income-generating opportunities by complementing staple foods with high-value crops, and one village reported a drop in domestic violence as a result of improved incomes.
“Installed at no cost, the system also offers agronomist advice and full maintenance.”
During installation, farmers are encouraged to rent out systems to cater to basic needs other than making their monthly payments.
Currently, the plan is to modify the system and include a charging port plus lights such that it is holistic and can be relied on especially for farmers who are not connected to the grid. Overall, the project has created jobs for the youths (agents) who earn a commission. Agents are also taken through multiple technical and business development training to enhance their skills and enable them to operate smoothly.
This all-important PAYGo water-energy nexus project has also helped improve the technical capacity of the community within which the systems have been installed. ESI
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