A brighter future: Solar-powered irrigation brings hope to farmers in Balaka.
25 Feb, 2025
A brighter future: Solar-powered irrigation brings hope to farmers in Balaka.
On February 20, 2025, farmers in Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) Phimbi witnessed the transformative power of solar irrigation, expressing joy and gratitude for this life-changing opportunity. STA Phimbi, Alfred Muhajiri, highlighted how the solar pumps will empower women and young farmers to grow high-value cash crops, boosting household incomes and strengthening food security.
"Many farmers have struggled to fully embrace irrigation due to high costs and the lack of a reliable energy source to pump water. In STA Phimbi, irrigation schemes previously relied on petrol pumps, which were expensive to run and contributed to harmful carbon emissions. For many, farming became unsustainable as soaring fuel costs wiped out profits" Alfred said.
But hope has arrived! Through the ECRIF project, we are empowering 400 farmers by providing 23 mobile solar-powered pumps to irrigate 81 hectares of farmland-taking advantage of the region's abundant sunshine and water resources.
On demonstration day, excitement filled the air as farmers witnessed firsthand the power of solar irrigation. Many could hardly believe their eyes, expressing gratitude for this transformative opportunity. STA Phimbi highlighted how these solar pumps will uplift women and young farmers, enabling them to grow high-value cash crops such as tomatoes, green chili, okra, eggplant, cabbage and onions. This initiative will not only boost household incomes but also enhance food security at the community level.
With the ECRIF project underway in Traditional Authority Nkaya, Balaka District, we remain committed to ensuring climate-resilient farming that drives economic growth and sustainable agriculture.
A new era of farming has begun-one powered by the sun
We are implementing the project in Balaka with support from with support from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) through the Presbyterian World Service and Development
