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Solar-Powered Irrigation for Smallholder Farmers. Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
Solar-Powered Irrigation for Smallholder Farmers
Client: Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
Implementing Partners: District Local Governments of Sheema, Ibanda, Isingiro, and Sembabule
Contractor: Water and Pumps International Ltd
Project Overview
Under the UgiFT Program implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in collaboration with local governments, Water and Pumps International Ltd designed, supplied, and installed solar-powered irrigation systems to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience among smallholder farmers.
The project reached 46 farmer sites across Sheema, Ibanda, Isingiro, and Sembabule districts, supporting irrigation for both food and cash crops, including coffee, bananas, and horticultural produce.
Tank erected at 1.5m height for a drag hose irrigation method in Sembabule District
Solar powered submersible pump
Scope of Work
The project covered the design, installation, and commissioning of fully functional solar-powered irrigation systems utilizing various water sources such as ponds, shallow wells, and valley tanks.
Each installation included:
10,000-liter water storage tank elevated to a 2-meter height.
Handheld irrigation nozzles and sprinklers for flexible and efficient water use.
Coverage of up to 2.5 acres per system, enabling farmers to irrigate coffee, bananas, tomatoes and other crops throughout the year.
Harvests of tomatoes in Isingiro District
Checking the pressure at the point
Farmers irrigating banana plants with handheld sprinklers.
Key Achievements
Installed and commissioned 46 complete solar-powered irrigation systems across four districts.
Improved water access and agricultural output for smallholder farmers.
Promoted climate-smart irrigation and reduced dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
Built local technical capacity through training and system handovers with district agricultural officers.
Farmers and local government officials during commissioning or training session.
Impact
The project has empowered farmers to irrigate year-round, improving productivity, crop quality, and household income. Through close collaboration with district local governments and MAAIF, the initiative strengthened local capacity and demonstrated the practical value of solar-powered irrigation in advancing Uganda’s climate-resilient agricultural transformation.
Tanks being raised for a sprinkler irrigation system type
Dam lined water source
With equity bank staff discussing the Eco loan Product for Elgon region farmers farmer
Sustainable service model: The community-based maintenance system ensured timely support, improved technology adoption, and long-term system performance.
Discussing with the officials at our irrigation demonstration hub in Mbarara
Through this partnership, farmers in the target regions achieved improved productivity, increased income, and greater resilience to climate variability. The project strengthened local service delivery systems and created economic opportunities through trained agents and demonstration hubs, contributing to sustainable agricultural transformation.
Handing of over our SWS 25SN – Engine irrigation Kit to a farmer group in Manafwa District
