"Discover how replacing costly diesel pumps with decentralized solar irrigation has tripled vegetable harvests for women self-help groups along the Yala River basin."
Transforming Agriculture with Sun and Water
Smallholder farmers in Gem-Yala Sub-County have historically grappled with two recurring challenges: high fuel costs for diesel water pumps and prolonged dry spells that destroy un-irrigated horticultural crops.
Through SAFSN-CBO's Green Energy Integration Pillar, 18 farmer groups were equipped with portable solar-powered drip irrigation kits in late 2025.
Key Milestones Achieved:
- Zero Fuel Expenses: Participating farmers have saved an average of KES 4,500 per month on diesel fuel.
- Continuous Vegetable Harvests: African Leafy Vegetables (sukuma wiki, spinach, managu) are now harvested year-round, securing regular market income.
- Water Conservation: Drip technology reduces water usage by up to 60% compared to traditional furrow flooding.
"Before the solar pump, we spent half our vegetable earnings on petrol. Today, our group saves that money directly in our VSLA box every Wednesday." — Grace Anyango, Chairperson, Yala River Green Gardeners
The Road Ahead
In partnership with the County Government of Siaya and NAVCDP, SAFSN aims to scale this intervention to an additional 50 farming groups by the end of 2026.
#Solar Energy#Climate Smart#Irrigation#Siaya County#Horticulture
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