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ECOWAS Proposes Solar-Powered Solutions to Region's Agric Challenges 



 The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREE) is rolling out farming techniques that will lead to higher per-hectare yields, significant increase in agricultural productivity and competitiveness through solar energy.

This project is geared towards creating a globally competitive agricultural sector that is able to transform agricultural activities from being predominately rain-fed to one employing the use of modern energy technologies that will drive increased productivity across West Africa.

Mahama Kappiah, executive director of the ECREE, while in a presentation at the workshop jointly organized by Parliament and ECREE, on promoting Agricultural Competitiveness through solar energy stated that Agriculture is a primary employer in the region providing jobs for over 60 percent of the population, hence must be well enhanced. 

Stating the challenges faced by the sector, Kappiah said, “Agricultural sector in west Africa is characterised by low productivity and generally pays less than other sectors, hence exposes its economy to shocks in global food prices”

“With 60 percent of West Africans (about 175 million people) living on less than one dollar a day, the food crisis is hitting a large proportion of the population, climate change is worsening the situation” he said.

Urging Parliamentarians to key into the project, Kappiah said the application of solar system in the agricultural sector will help in tackling post-production losses.
He added that the competitiveness through solar energy will address the sectors overdependence on the irregular nature of the climate for agricultural irrigation through rainfall.

He continued, “Solar Energy in agriculture will support agricultural businesses to produce more by harnessing the regions abundant renewable energy resources towards providing a stable supply of water for irrigation and other agricultural purposes."

“It will optimise the entire agricultural value chain by supporting activities that improve production, processing, storage and transportation of agricultural produce."

“Transform the mind-set of decision-makers and policy implementers to one that recognizes, promotes and advocates for solar energy technologies as a cost effective, investment attractive and environmental friendly option for achieving food security and a globally competitive agricultural sector."

Furthermore he said “Post-harvest losses in West African countries are very high among farmers due to the use of poor harvesting technologies, inadequate food storage and conservation including cold chain infrastructure, and lead to losses and increase the risk of poverty among farmers."

“Besides input and production, electricity from solar can be used in improving several components of the agriculture value chain,” Kappiah added.

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