A novel irrigation support solution, designed to make solar-powered irrigation more accessible and effective for smallholder farmers across the country, has been unveiled by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and Farmerline, aims to improve crop productivity, water efficiency, and climate resilience for smallholders.
Developed in partnership with Pumptech, IRRILINE provides farmers with practical irrigation guidance, access to solar systems, and connections to financing opportunities.
IWMI Country Representative, Prof Kehinde Ogunjobi, said it was important for Ghanaian farmers to embrace technology-driven irrigation methods to enhance food security.
He made the appeal during launch of IRRILINE irrigation support services, at the IWMI West Africa office in Accra.
Prof Ogunjobi emphasized the need to connect farmers with critical resources, including agricultural information, technology, equipment, and financing, to support necessary investments.
He also stressed the importance of providing farmers with efficient irrigation systems to boost productivity while ensuring access to reliable markets.
Prof Ogunjobi appealed to government and private sector, to leverage floodwater management for irrigation, transforming a recurring challenge into a valuable resource for increasing crop yields.
At the launch ceremony, Deputy Country Representative & Senior Researcher – IWMI West and Central Africa, Sander Zwart, touted the innovation as pathway for smallholders to build more secure and resilient livelihoods, an agenda which aligns with IWMI’s mission to promote climate-smart agriculture and water-efficient farming across Ghana.
The technology, Zwart explained, helps farmers to determine how much to irrigate through reduction in water and energy waste.
“Ghanaian farmers face challenges such as climate variability, rising fuel costs, and unreliable rainfall. Solar irrigation provides a clean, cost-effective, and scalable solution. These challenges are mitigated by IRRILINE by providing accessible irrigation guidance, targeted support to women farmers, linkage to private-sector suppliers, and a pathway for smallholders to build more secure and resilient livelihoods” he said.
According to Zwart, the IWMI will continue to evidence-based research on water and land resources, provide knowledge services, and strengthens capacity to support climate resilience, food security, and inclusive economic growth.
Senior Business and Account Manager at Farmerline, Marvin Nii Adom Armah, made presentation on the innovation and explained that, solar irrigation is driving food security and climate resilience.
Taken guests through a short film dubbed, “Roots of Tomorrow, Armah said farmer-focused solutions that supports Ghana’s agricultural transformation is critical to mitigate the ever-changing agriculture and climate landscape across the country.
Farmerline, he explained, is dedicated to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through technology, financing, and last-mile logistics.
The company combines digital advisory services, AI-powered tools, and a network of field partners to deliver timely agricultural information, quality inputs, and access to finance to millions of farmers.
The organization emphasizes its commitment to transforming agriculture into a more profitable and climate-smart sector for rural communities across Africa.
