UN/CTCN: Solar Powered Irrigation Systems

Promoting Climate Adaptation by Upscaling Solar Irrigation Technology Options for Smallholder Farmers in Ghana through Innovative Financing Mechanisms, a Conductive Policy Framework for Technology Regulation and Tailored Training Modules

Several barriers exist that constrain the uptake of SPIS by smallholder farmers in Ghana, including:

• High capital costs.

• Lack of information and training on SPIS.

• Few smallholder farmers have bank accounts or access to finance.

• Absence of an integrated equipment supply chain and certification standards.

• Insufficient enabling policies and institutional frameworks.

In association with INTEGRATION environment &

Energy, CARES provided the Team Leader and expertise in water resources, irrigation, agriculture,

legal, and gender, as well as all logistics, support, and backstopping in-country. A Stakeholder Working Group was established with representatives, including vulnerable groups and women, to make decisions on the SPIS technology options, the policy framework for technology standards and certification, financing options in the business model, and the training modules, to ensure these align with Ghanaian strategic priorities.

Services Provided Included:

The TA is divided into six main outcomes, as follows:

• Benchmark SPIS technologies suitable for smallholder farmers in Ghana and assess their respective cost-benefits.

• Define a Business Model targeting smallholder farmers.

• Develop a National Framework on SPIS technology.

• Provide capacity training to raise awareness.