Solar Energy and Geomembrane Water Management Strategies for Small-Scale Climate Smart Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

There are multiple approaches to address important interconnected issues in this project. First, it addresses climate change by utilizing solar-powered irrigation systems, a renewable energy source that reduces dependence on fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports on climate change mitigation emphasize the importance of addressing global efforts to mitigate climate alteration and transition to sustainable energy systems. The project aims to achieve energy equity by providing solar energy services to rural areas that are typically not served by conventional energy grids. All of this contributes to the goal of providing everyone with affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy access as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Secondly, the project seeks to boost people's earnings by increasing farming productivity through secure water availability.

Agricultural yields can lead to increased income for farmers, an increase in food security, and poverty reduction. This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Moreover, the project supports improved food security, environmental sustainability, and rural resilience. It can promote sustainable agriculture through efficient water use and soil conservation practices to improve soil health and reduce environmental degradation while also improving the long-term viability of agricultural production systems. Agro-ecology principles and Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) are both integrated into this. As this project aligns directly with the main objectives of the LEAWEF Multilateral Research Programme, it directly addresses the interrelated water, energy, and food security problems in the context of climate change and development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the use of solar-powered irrigation systems and integrated water resource management, the project advances the LEAWEF program's goals of promoting collaborative research and sustainable development in the region.