Renewable Energy for Smallholder Irrigation: A Technology Adoption Toolkit

Abstract

Smallholders are the backbone of livelihoods in the Global South. Yet, many remain water- and energy-insecure. For this challenge, this study presents a toolkit to stimulate the sustained adoption of renewable energy-powered water pumps for smallholder irrigation. A human-centered design method was used to co-create it. It first consisted of a prototype that was tested by experts. Their feedback was crucial to further improving the toolkit, thereby making it a more robust instrument. The design posed limitations worth considering in future research. Additionally, the spread of water pumps implies environmental and economic concerns. To enhance its benefits, the toolkit still requires thorough testing in diverse contexts.