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ECOWAS through ECREEE is on a clean energy project drive across West Africa.
Ten solar pump systems have been launched in the Kédougou region of Senegal.
The Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Special Intervention Fund (ESIF)has created an initiative to improve agricultural productivity and enhance farmers’ livelihoods through the use of solar energy.
The initiative affects the communities of Bandafassi, Damboucoye, Andiel, Ibel, Bantata, Bembou, Diakha Madina, Faraba 1, Faraba 2 and Diakhaba
The Senegalese non-profit organisation SEM Fund carried out the project with technical and financial support from the Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE).
The Kédougou Region is located in south-eastern Senegal, near the border with Mali and Guinea.
According to German initiative Green People’s Energy for Africa, the region of Kédougou has a strong economic potential. But many of the region’s people live off their small agricultural plots, which they cultivate mainly as subsistence farming, as they have difficulties engaging in profitable commercial activities.
“The lack of access to machinery and the absence of energy to operate it are major obstacles to market-orientated cultivation of arable land.”
Green People’s Energy for Africa’s case study from 2023 revealed that energy and technological limitations are limiting the income growth of locals in rural Senegal.
“This particularly affects vulnerable groups, including women and youth. Unemployment rates for women (22%) and young people (16%) in rural areas are much higher than the official national,” the case study stated.
Bringing solar energy to improve livelihoods in Senegal
ECOWAS says with these solar installations, farmers will be able to water their crops more efficiently in the future.
“Thanks to these solar installations, farmers can now irrigate their crops more efficiently and sustainably, strengthening their resilience to climate change. This initiative is in full line with the sustainable development goals, promoting access to clean energy and supporting rural communities,” ECOWAS stated. |
