Climate Change Adaptation through Grid-Scale Water Exploration, Supplemental Solar Pump Irrigation, and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation

Climate Change Adaptation through Grid-Scale Water Exploration, Supplemental Solar Pump Irrigation, and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Drought-Prone Regions

This research initiative seeks to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity, food insecurity, and ecosystem degradation in Ethiopia’s drought-prone regions, exacerbated by climate change. The project employs a comprehensive, integrated approach that focuses on the water-energy-food nexus to build resilience and sustainable land and water management practices.

Key Elements of the Initiative:

1.    Grid-Scale Water Exploration: The project will utilize advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and hydrological modelling, to assess groundwater potential and manage it sustainably. This exploration will ensure a reliable and continuous supply of water for agricultural use, which is crucial for both drought resilience and long-term sustainability in the region.

2.    Solar Pump Irrigation for Smallholder Farmers: Supplemental irrigation using solar pumps will be introduced to smallholder farmers' fields. These solar pumps offer a clean, inexpensive alternative to traditional electric or fuel-based irrigation systems, providing reliable access to water and reducing farmers' reliance on fossil fuels. As action research, this component will involve experimental studies in collaboration with farmers to test solar irrigation's suitability for various crops and climatic conditions.

3.    Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA): EBA strategies will be implemented to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and ensure sustainable ecosystem services. These services include improving groundwater recharge and reducing flooding, especially around existing irrigation infrastructure.

By combining these three elements—grid-scale water exploration, supplemental solar pump irrigation, and ecosystem-based adaptation—the project addresses critical aspects of climate resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability in an integrated way.

Specific Objectives:

1. Identify and assess groundwater potential using advanced technologies like remote sensing and hydrological modeling.

2. Evaluate the potential of solar pumps to enable agricultural intensification and improve incomes for smallholder farmers.

3. Investigate the effectiveness of EBA strategies in enhancing ecosystem resilience, groundwater sustainability, and flood mitigation.

4. Develop a scalable business model for marketing and distributing solar pumps to smallholder farmers, ensuring access to this renewable technology and its long-term sustainability.

Methodology:

1.    Grid-Scale Water Exploration: Advanced tools like remote sensing, geophysical methods, and hydrological models will be employed to map groundwater resources and assess their sustainability for agricultural purposes.

2.       Supplemental Solar Pump Irrigation: Experimental studies on smallholder farms will test the effectiveness of supplemental solar irrigation. Data will be collected on crop productivity, water usage, and farmers' experiences to gauge the technology's impact.

3.       Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: EBA strategies will be assessed for their effectiveness using hydrological and erosion models to evaluate their impact on water quality, soil conservation, and habitat restoration. Household surveys and community engagement activities will assess the adaptability of these strategies, incorporating local knowledge and addressing any challenges to implementation.

4.       Business Model Development for Solar Pump Distribution: Market surveys and demand analysis will be conducted to understand the needs of smallholder farmers and assess the scalability of solar pump irrigation.

Expected Outcomes:

• Improved Water Access: Reliable access to groundwater through grid-scale exploration and solar-powered irrigation will help farmers better manage water resources and increase agricultural productivity.

• Increased Agricultural Productivity and Income: Supplemental irrigation from solar pumps will enhance crop yields, improve food security, and boost household income, particularly benefiting women farmers.

• Enhanced Ecosystem Resilience: EBA strategies will restore ecosystems, improve groundwater recharge, and reduce downstream flooding, contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

• Empowerment of Women: Women's participation in agricultural decision-making and income generation will increase, leading to improved household nutrition and economic stability.

• Scalable Business Model: A sustainable business model for solar pump distribution will be developed, enabling wider access to renewable energy technologies among smallholder farmers.