The Rockefeller Foundation and the World Bank have announced major investments to bring solar technology to agriculture in several African countries. The multi-million dollar initiative will focus on Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aim is to increase farm productivity and reduce losses by using clean and reliable solar power in areas where electricity is limited or unavailable.
The program provides funding to nonprofit organizations to provide solar power equipment to farmers. This includes water pumps for irrigation, flour mills for crop processing, and refrigerators and refrigeration units for food storage. These technologies are especially important for rural and off-grid areas where farmers often rely on expensive and unreliable energy sources. The project is being implemented by Clasp, a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to energy efficiency and access. Clasp manages the distribution and installation of photovoltaic systems in selected countries.
During a visit to the solar farm facility in Nairobi, Rockefeller Foundation Chairman Rajiv Shah said the project has great potential for further growth. He explained that while current funding is large, the structure of the program allows for expansion on a country-by-country basis as more funding becomes available. The initiative is part of Mission 300, a large-scale program led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank that aims to provide 300 million people in Africa with access to electricity by 2030.
Agriculture plays an important role in Africa, employing more than half of the continent’s workforce. However, many farmers face serious challenges, including high post-harvest losses. In some cases, up to 40% of the crop goes to waste due to inadequate storage, lack of refrigeration, and limited processing facilities. Solar-powered cold rooms and refrigeration units help farmers store their produce for long periods of time. This allows them to sell their goods at a better price instead of rushing to the market to avoid spoilage.
Harnessing solar energy also provides environmental and economic benefits. This reduces reliance on diesel generators, which are expensive to run and harmful to the environment. By switching to solar power, farmers can reduce their daily energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Over time, this approach is expected to support food price stability, increase local incomes, and strengthen food security across the region. This investment reflects growing efforts to modernize agriculture in Africa while simultaneously addressing the challenges of climate change and energy access.
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