In Ethiopia, rural communities make up over 70% of the population. However, currently these have less than 20% energy access compared to urban areas. The need is accentuated by the current energy need with increasing fossil fuel costs crippling the use of stand-alone diesel generators used for irrigating for crop production.
CABI has teamed-up with a cross-sector consortium to help estimate demand for small-scale hydropower and solar mini-grids that could power irrigation systems to help ensure greater food production in a remote region of Ethiopia.
The project, funded through Innovate UK Energy Catalyst Round 9, will see LENKÉ: Space & Water Solutions Ltd, Crop Health & Protection (CHAP), Arba Minch University and CABI share their expertise in digital technology to help farmers grow healthier and more profitable crops.
Source: cabi.org